Last updated on November 9th, 2021 at 05:44 pm
Cherries, depending on which kind you choose, can be classified as a superfood. Did you know that Montmorency cherries have the greatest medicinal value? They are rich in antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory, and can be a great tool in the prevention of gout. Cherries are also one of the few fruits that contain melatonin, which can help combat insomnia and even jet lag.
What are cherries good for?
Sleep
Sour cherries are one of the few fruits that contain a significant amount of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone, that is produced by the body as a part of the sleep-wake cycle. Studies have shown that drinking a glass of sour cherry juice before bed can promote restful sleep.
Antidiabetic
The rich amount of anthocyanins (an antioxidant) can help increase insulin production, and therefore help regulate blood sugar levels.
Anti-inflammatory
Cherries have an abundance of antioxidants that can help inflammation.
Supporting Arthritic Conditions
Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout are generally caused by an excess build-up of uric acid in the blood. Both sweet and sour cherries have been found to lower urates levels in the blood.
How to get the most from your cherries?
♦ Eat fresh and in season. It is important to buy local, organic, and in season for the most nutrient-rich content. You can also pit and freeze ripe and in-season cherries to enjoy throughout the winter.
♦ Pick sour over sweet. The sour cherries have higher antioxidant levels than their counterparts.
What about all the colors?
♦ Dark red cherries contain great levels of a chemical compound called perillyl alcohol which has been shown to slow or halt certain cancers.
♦ Light red cherries aka Montmorency cherries are about ten times more active at relieving pain than aspirin.
♦ Yellow and red cherries are a very sweet variety of cherry, that have high levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene (an antioxidant).
I love this Nidra Tart Cherry Tincture from Leefy organics, especially for acute situations or when cherries are not in season.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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