Interesting Cherry Facts & Health Benefits
Jun 22, 2016
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Cherries are one of our favorite snacks because of their delicious flavor, fantastic health benefits, and versatility. Here are 6 facts about cherries that dig a little deeper into why you should incorporate cherries into your daily diet. You can reap these benefits from fresh, dried, or frozen cherries.
6 Interesting Cherry Facts
Cherry Fact #1: Cherries can boost brain functioning
Cherries can actually boost your brain functioning! Want to improve your memory, do well on your upcoming exams, or stop losing your keys all the time? Add some cherries into your daily diet. They aren’t a magic cure, but they have been shown to improve cognitive brain functioning in several studies.
Cherry Fact #2: Cherries can improve sleep
Cherries are a great night time snack! Why? The tart fruit contains the hormone melatonin, which is associated with good sleep. Consuming cherries or cherry juice in the evening can aid in your ability to fall and stay asleep. Want more evidence or to learn the science behind this health benefit? Check out the Journal of Nutrition.
Cherry Fact #3: Cherries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants
Cherries have a higher antioxidant capacity than grapes, oranges, plums, raspberries, and strawberries combined! The antioxidants they contain, such as anthocyanins and cyanidin, are quite powerful. Both tart and sweet cherries contain antioxidants, but tart cherries generally contain more.
The vitamins and antioxidants found in cherries have been found to reduce the risk of certain cancers, reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of gout, and lower the risk of stroke.
Cherry Fact #4: Frozen cherries keep their nutritional benefits
You can only eat so many cherries during cherry season. What you can’t eat, freeze! Cherries can be frozen in 4 simple steps. Simply follow the steps listed on the following infographic so you can enjoy cherries all year long.
Cherry Fact #5: Cherries are easy to incorporate
Cherries can take just about any recipe up a notch. They aren’t just for desserts (although we do love a good cherry pie!). Cherries are great in salads, roasted with chicken, and even in drinks! Check out these delicious cherry recipes for inspiration.
Cherry Fact #6: Pitting cherries is easy!
Most cherry recipes call for pitted cherries. It’s commonly believed that cherries are difficult and messy to pit, but that is a myth! Cherries can actually be extremely easy to pit if you use the right method. Check out this infographic for simple tips on how to pit cherries with ease.
