Cherries

Summer’s gems not only taste delicious but also come with superfood powers that can help you live your healthiest life.

Cherries are one of the top antioxidant-rich foods (with capacity to hold nearly 5,000 in a one cup serving) and have been linked to reducing pain and inflammation associated with inflammatory arthritis and gout. They are one of the few natural sources for melatonin, which can help regulate sleep cycles. The deep red color of dark-sweet cherries means the fruit contains anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant) that plays a role in improving cognitive function and protects the heart and its surrounding tissues. They can also aid in workout recovery!

This super summer fruit scores a low 22 on the glycemic index, making cherries great for maintaining blood sugar levels, especially for those with diabetes. Cherries contain boron to maintain calcium balance, promote bone health, and prevent osteoporosis. They have potassium to help muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cells function.

Whew, all that nutrition in such a petite piece of fruit?! Time to eat more cherries!

For more information about sweet cherry health, nutrition and research, please visit our friends at Have A Plant, Fruits and Veggies for Better Health.