Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits and for good reason. They’re delicious and pack vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with powerful health effects.
1. Packed with nutrients
Cherries are small stone fruits that come in a variety of colors and flavors. There are two major categories — tart and sweet cherries, or Prunus cerasus L. and Prunus avium L., respectively.
Their colors can vary from yellow to deep blackish-red สมัคร ufabet
All varieties are highly nutritious and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, raw, pitted cherries provides :
- Calories: 97
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 25 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 18% of the
Daily Value (DV) - Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Copper: 5% of the DV
- Manganese: 5% of the DV
These nutrients, particularly fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, benefit health in many ways.
Vitamin C is essential for maintaining your immune system and skin health while potassium is needed for muscle contraction, nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and many other critical bodily processes.
Cherries are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy by fueling beneficial gut bacteria and promoting bowel regularity.
Plus, they provide B vitamins, manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K.
2. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The high concentration of plant compounds in cherries may be responsible for this fruit’s many health benefits.
Though the amount and type can vary depending on the variety, all cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
This high antioxidant content may help combat oxidative stress, a condition that is linked to multiple chronic diseases and premature aging.
In fact, one review found that eating cherries effectively reduced inflammation in 11 out of 16 studies and markers of oxidative stress in 8 out of 10 studies.
Cherries are especially high in polyphenols, a large group of plant chemicals. That help fight cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.
In fact, polyphenol-rich diets may protect against many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental decline, and certain cancers.
These stone fruits also contain carotenoid pigments like beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well