Cherries the Super-fruit

Posted by admin on August 12, 2014

Cherries the Super-Fruit

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Summer is awash with wonderful fruits especially cherries and I would like to share with you the amazing health properties of this Super-fruit.

Did you know that cherries are from the same fruit family as plums, apricots and peaches, they are rich in health benefiting nutrients and antioxidants: these are chemicals that can prevent, or slow cell damage by mopping up the free radicals that cause cell damage.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defence system of antioxidants.

How can cherries benefit our health?

Cherries contain:

  • Powerful antioxidants: anthocyanins, cyanidin, carotenoids all of which may play a role in cancer prevention, heart disease and the ageing process.  
  • Minerals: Zinc, moderate sources of iron, potassium, and manganese, and a good source of copper. Potassium is a mineral; an important component of cell and body fluids that regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Vitamins: Vitamin C necessary for collagen formation of bones, blood, muscle and blood vessels, plus it helps absorb iron.   Also contains small amounts of Vitamin K, B6 and Vitamin A.
  • Phytosterols - These plant sterols are used to lower “bad” cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease
  • They are high in fibre, which promotes good digestion, prevents constipation and aids in weight loss.
  • Melatonin: this is a powerful antioxidant and helps to ‘cool down’ our body from excess inflammation and oxidative stress. It plays a major role in helping us to get good nights sleep, improving the quality of our sleep.

The consumption of cherries has also shown the potential health effects against inflammatory conditions and chronic painful episodes of Gout. In a study of over 600 people with gout those who ate 12 cherries per day had a 35% lower risk of subsequent gout attack and those that ate more had a 50% reduction.  In another study it was also shown that it might help to relieve inflammatory osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and sport injuries.

Whether you eat raw, cook in pies or juice make the most of the cherries that are abundant in this short season and take advantage of the health benefits they bring. 

For more information on health visit: http://nutri-healing.com

Or contact Alma on 01737 812498 

Cherries the Super-fruit

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