7 sweet benefits of cherries

With the harvest season running May through July, cherries are the perfect summer treat. They have a short shelf life, so if you want to enjoy them this year, now is the time to snag some. Conventional cherries can be divided into two primary categories: sweet and tart. Sweet varieties such as Bing cherries are typically eaten fresh, while Montmorency tart cherries are typically sold dried, frozen or as juice. Regardless of the variety you prefer, cherries offer plenty of health benefits. Here are 10 nutritious reasons to snack on cherries:

1. They offer antioxidant protection

   Cherries contain powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins and cyanidin. Sweet cherries also contain quercetin — one of the most potent antioxidants.

2. They may help prevent cancer

   Sweet cherries contain numerous nutrients that play a role in cancer prevention, including fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins.

3. They help reduce inflammation and gout risk

   Gout occurs when the metabolic processes that control the amount of uric acid in your blood fail to do their job effectively. The stiffness and swelling are a result of excess uric acid-forming crystals in your joints, and the pain is associated with your body’s inflammatory response. Studies show cherries can help reduce uric acid and lower nitric oxide and C-reactive protein levels, which are associated with inflammatory diseases like gout.

4. They help support healthy sleep

   Cherries contain natural melatonin — a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps “cool down” excess inflammation associated with oxidative stress. Melatonin also plays a vital role in sleep and bodily regeneration.

5. They can help relieve arthritis pain

   Studies have shown that cherries can help relieve pain linked to arthritis, thanks to their potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Tart cherries in particular are known to have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food.

6. They can help reduce your risk of stroke

   Consuming tart cherries may activate PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activating receptors) in your body’s tissues, which help regulate genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism. This activation may help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

7. They may help reduce post-exercise muscle pain

Studies have shown athletes who consumed tart cherry juice prior to long-distance running experienced less pain compared to those who did not. The reduction in muscle pain is believed to be linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries, which may help reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise.