Good health and wellness shouldn’t be a chore – so treat your body with nutrients from our mouth-wateringly tasty cherries.
Cherries are one of the most understated superfoods; with the nutritional attributes often overlooked by the delicious taste. Cherries impressive repertoire of nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, protein, fiber, melatonin and anthocyanin, some of the health benefits of these compounds include;
Cancer
prevention
Cherries contain vitamins, carotenoids, fibre and anthocyanins – this awesome foursome help prevent and fight against cancer by inhibiting growth of such nasty cells and promoting their self-destruction (Acquaviva, 2003).
Cardiovascular
disease prevention
Cherries are rich in polyphenols which reduce oxidative inflammation and can be linked to helping lower the risk of inflammatory diseases such as heart attacks and strokes (Kelley et al., 2017).
Diabetes
prevention
Cherries score well for a low glycemic index and a good dose of anthocyanins which are good for boosting insulin and improving blood sugar levels, in turn acting as good prevention for diabetes.
Inflammatory
disease prevention
Cherries contain powerful phytochemical – anthocyanin which has anti-inflammatory properties for better joint flexibility (Seernam et al., 2003).
Alzheimers
prevention
Research shows that compounds within cherries can play a role in protecting neuronal cells, which are involved in brain function and reducing oxidant stress which can potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s (Kim, 2005).
Support
weight loss
Cherries contain anthocyanin, fiber and melatonin, between them they can contribute to reduced inflammation and belly fat, making you feel fuller and a better sleep which in turn supports weight loss in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Promoting
better sleep
Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally present in the human body which aids sleep.
Nutrition Table
| Average Quantity per serving |
Average Quantity per 100g |
|
| Energy (Kj/Cal) | 410/98 | 273/65 |
| Protein (g) | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| Fat, total (g) | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| – saturated (g) | 0.08 | 0.06 |
| Available Carbohydrate (g) | 21 | 14 |
| – sugars (g) | 20.9 | 13.9 |
| Dietary Fibre (g) | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| Sodium (mg) | 5 | 3 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 30 | 20 |
| Potassium (mg) | 316.5 | 211 |
Recommended serving size = 150g
Source: New Zealand FOODfiles 2016