Cherries are a favorite summer fruit in the US, where about 370 million pounds are grown each year. With a short peak season (May to July), high susceptibility to disease and short shelf life after harvest, cherry season comes and goes in the blink of an eye.
Cherries, which are members of the same fruit family as peaches, plums, apricots, and almonds, are often regarded as a "dessert" fruit for use in pies, or perhaps as a garnish for cocktails (the maraschino cherry).
But cherries have a healthy side too, one that may actually offer therapeutic benefits to your health, as cherries are rich in antioxidants and many other health-promoting compounds.
There are two primary varieties of cherries you should know about: sweet and tart (also known as sour cherries). Sweet cherries, such as Bing cherries, are best eaten fresh (and raw), while sour cherries develop a fuller flavor when they're used in cooking (which is why they're often used for baking).
Some of the most notable health effects of cherries include…
Antioxidant Protection
Cancer-Preventive Compounds: Sweet cherries contain fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, each of which may help play a role in cancer prevention.
Reduce Inflammation and Your Risk of Gout
Support Healthy Sleep (Melatonin)
Arthritis Pain Relief
Reduce Belly Fat
Reduce Post-Exercise Muscle Pain
Lower Risk of Stroke
Cancer-Preventive Compounds