Cherries are a fruit that are sweet, low in calories and have a number of benefits for your body. Because cherries have such a sweet flavor, they make a healthy substitute for snacks such as candy or cakes. Cherries also make an excellent ingredient for a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Antioxidants
Cherries are full of antioxidants. These antioxidants have a number of different benefits, including the ability to prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as fighting off free radicals. The antioxidants found in cherries also work to slow the signs of aging. All cherries contain their own antioxidants but sour cherries have the most, beating out even blueberries with their antioxidant content.
Weight Loss
A cherry is made up of more than 75 percent water. This water content makes cherries a perfect weight loss food as foods that are high in water and low in calories keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time than foods and drinks that are higher in calories. Cherries are also loaded with soluble fiber. This water dissolvable fiber helps accelerate weight loss and reduces your cholesterol levels by slowing its absorption into your blood.
Melatonin
Cherries naturally contain melatonin, a natural substance that is typically produced by your brain to regulate your sleep cycles. While your body does have the ability to produce its own melatonin, it typically does so only in darkness and not everyone is able to produce all the melatonin that is needed. Factors such as the artificial lighting that is found in many offices and homes limit how much melatonin is produced by your body. Eating cherries before bed acts as an all natural sleep aid that works by replacing some of the lost melatonin.
Pain Relief and Bone Health
Cherries contain a substance known as anthocyanins. This substance is effective in relieving pain by blocking out the inflammatory enzymes that cause it. According to the California Cherry Advisory Board, eating 20 cherries is 10 times more effective that taking aspirin. Anthocyanins also work to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and gout. Cherries also contain boron, which helps increase bone health when consumed in conjunction with magnesium and calcium.
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