Health Benefits Of Cherries - Nutritional Value Of Cherry, Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Cherries

A cherry is a drupe or a fleshy fruit that has a single seed, usually associated with plums and more distantly to peaches, apricots and nectarines. There are different species of cherries that are cultivated in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some in America, some in Europe and the remaining in Asia. Most of the eating cherries are derived from either wild cherry (also known as sweet cherry) or sour cherry (or tart cherry). Sour cherries are lower in calories and higher in Vitamin C and beta-carotene, as compared to sweet cherries. Cherries are known for various health benefits, especially in aiding the weight loss campaign. Read through the following lines to know about the health and nutrition benefits of eating cherries, along with exploring its nutritional value.

Nutritional Value of Cherry

Amount of Cherry (with pits): 1 cup

Total Weight of Cherry (with pits): 138 g

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	1.5 g
Phytosterols	16.6 mg
Water	113 g
Ash	0.7 g
Calories
Total Calories	86.9
Calories From Carbohydrate	79.7
Calories From Fat	2.3
Calories From Protein	4.9
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrate	22.1 g
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g
Sugars	17.7 g
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	0.3 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.1 g
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids	35.9 mg
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids	37.3 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A	88.3 IU
Vitamin C	9.7 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)	0.1 mg
Vitamin K	2.9 mcg
Niacin	0.2 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Folate	5.5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	0.3 mg
Choline	8.4 mg
Minerals
Calcium	17.9 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Magnesium	15.2 mg
Phosphorus	29 mg
Potassium	306 mg
Zinc	0.1 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg
Fluoride	2.8 mcg

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Cherries

Researches reveal that cherries are known to help in fighting different organ cancers.
Cherries contain anti-oxidants that help in cleaning up free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells in the human body, thus help in slowing down the aging process.
They contain a red pigment called anthocyanin, which helps in reducing inflammation and pain.
Cherries reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Daily consumption of cherries effectively lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
A cupful of cherries, when taken on a daily basis, helps relieve the discomfort caused due to arthritis and gout.
Since cherries are low in fat and high in water content, they boost the energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss.
They are used as a natural cure for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and certain physiological problems.
High in potassium, cherries aid in the treatment of autoimmune neuro-degenerative ailments and connective tissue diseases.
Cherries help in regulating sleep and preventing memory loss.
Studies reveal that concentrated tart cherry juice is 10 times more effective than aspirin, in treating headache pain, pain from gout, arthritic pain and arthritic inflammation.
High in fiber, cherries reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer and other diseases that involving the digestive tract.

Tips

Cherries can be eaten fresh or made into a juice.
Whether canned, frozen or dried, cherries retain their inherent nutritional value.
When refrigerated, cherries stay fresh for up to one week and for up to a year in the freezer.
Include a glass of cherry juice with your breakfast or add some cherries to your morning cereal or oatmeal.
For consuming cherries in lunch, you can add them to yoghurt or salad.

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Benefits Of Cherries

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