- Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits, and for good reason.
- They’re not only delicious but also pack vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with powerful health effects.
- 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.
- All varieties are highly nutritious and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Research shows that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in cherries may help relieve exercise-induced muscle pain, damage, and inflammation
- Increasing your intake of nutrient-dense fruits like cherries is a tasty way to protect your heart.
- Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, cherries may reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout, a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid that can lead to extreme swelling, inflammation, and pain in your joints.
- These sleep-promoting benefits may be attributed to the fruit’s high concentration of plant compounds. Additionally, cherries contain melatonin, a substance that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle.