Reasons to love Cherries!
As many of you know, my daughter Dana, is contributing some nutritional information that she has gathered and would like to share with you about some foods that appear on Return to Sunday Supper. She was particularly excited about last week’s post about cherries, so this week we are going to share with some things that you might like to know about these red beauties.Dana says…
Researchers are often quoted saying that the darker the food, the healthier it is for you, meaning that the fruits and veggies that are the most vibrant in color have the most nutritional benefits. If you bite into a cherry and notice the deep, deep red stain throughout this tiny powerhouse, you’ll be convinced that cherries are a prime example of this research.
Cherries, while full of antioxidants and important nutrients, are also known for their potential pain-relieving capabilities. They have flavonoids called anthocyanins 1 and 2 that may be able to reduce muscle and joint soreness, meaning they may be a great snack for athletes and people with arthritis!
Even more, cherries are a great source of beta carotene (tart cherries have 19 times the amount found in blueberries!), vitamin C, fiber, iron and potassium. But what may be the best part of all: tart cherries (especially the Montmorency variety) contain melatonin, a chemical that may help regulate sleep patterns, making them an ideal treat in the evening!Enjoy!
Disclaimer – Please note: the information presented is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease. Please consult your physician if you are having any medical problems.