Cherry

Cherries are often listed as one of top 20 superfoods as they are high in antioxidants. Particularly due to high levels of polyphenols, anthocyanins and melatonin. Some research tested the effects of eating cherries by adding notable levels of cherries to participant’s normal diets, the results over time showed lowered body fat and lower cholesterol. Cherries are also healthy because they contain good amounts of the nutrients vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene and iron.

Some of the polypholenic flavonoids in cherries are lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene. They are present in the dark pigment in the skin of the cherries. These have been suggested in many studies as being effective antioxidants that scavenge and clear up free-radicals. Free-radicals are a natural by-product of our metabolic processes but when they are not countered by a diet rich in antioxidants they lead to the effects we know as aging because they damage cells. Cellular repair draws on our nutrient sources depleting them for other functions that add to our sense of wellbeing.

Cherries contain melatonin which is something we produce naturally from our pineal gland. Melatonin regulates our sleep and wake cycles. Studies have shown that the melatonin in food can also function the same way as the melatonin we produce. It is thought to calm brain neurons and help regulate sleeping patterns. People can need extra melatonin because they are stressed and they need help maintaining regular sleep. Also, melatonin production does reduce from age 60 and getting extra melatonin can help offset this. Proponents of cherries for natural melatonin also point to research that has shown the effects of eaten melatonin can happen quite quickly, within hours or days.

The potassium in cherries can help contribute to maintaining healthy fluid balance which has a flow on positive benefit in terms of keeping blood pressure healthy and keeping us hydrated at a cellular level. The vitamin C, and potentially the Vitamin A that can be converted from the beta carotene content, are also powerful supporters of building optimum health.
 

Information supplied by Steph Askeur
Fresh-cut enthusiast