HEALTHY FOOD SERIES

Healthy Food Series – Cherries

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Happy Tuesday y’all! It’s time for the weekly Healthy Food Series on iScriblr.

Well yes, here I am, yet again with another “super food” to wipe us all off out feet! Healthy Food Series on iScriblr has honestly been an informative and “social enriching” ride so far and I am ecstatic with the enlightening journey – which has not only been “health conscious” but super communicative and newsy at the same time!

Meet our star of the day for Healthy Food Series – CHERRIES!

iScriblr_cherries
Ah, cherries!

HISTORY

As per Britannica – Cherries in general belong to the genus Prunus. The commercial production includes sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) – which are frozen or canned and used in sauces and pastries, and sweet cherries (Prunus avium) – which are usually consumed fresh and are the basic type preserved in true or imitation maraschino liqueur. Interestingly, a number of species are grown as ornamentals for their prolific spring flowers, and the dark red wood of some cherry species is especially esteemed for the manufacture of fine furniture.
Most cherry species are native to the Northern Hemisphere, where they are widely grown. Some 10 to 12 species are recognized in North America and a similar number in Europe. The native habitat of the species from which the cultivated cherries came is believed to be – western Asia and eastern Europe from the Caspian Sea to the Balkans.
Cherries are grown in all areas of the world where winter temperatures are not too severe and where summer temperatures are moderate. They require winter cold in order to blossom in spring. The trees bloom quite early in the spring, just after peaches and earlier than apples. In Asia, particularly Japan, cherry varieties have been selected for the beauty of their flowers, and most of them do not set fruit. These beautiful ornamentals are featured in many gardens and after about 1900 were widely disseminated throughout the moderate-temperature areas of North America and Europe.

FUN FACT – Factually, the distinguished “Japanese flowering cherries” around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., were presented by the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912 and since then have been a “photogenic” must-see place for tourists and locals alike!

HEALTH BENEFITS

Tart cherries, also known as sour, dwarf or Montmorency cherries, have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. Compared to sweet cherries, which tend to be enjoyed fresh, tart cherries are often consumed dried, frozen or juiced.
Keeping in mind that tart cherries are easily available though out the year, we’ll be concentrating on their particular health benefits today. That said, some tart cherry juice varieties can contain substantial amounts of added sugars. Thus, it’s reasonable to expect the most benefits from unsweetened varieties.
Here are some science-based health benefits of tart cherry juice –

1 Tart cherry juice intake in the days leading up to and immediately following intense physical exercise may reduce muscle strength loss and soreness. It may also speed up recovery.
2 Tart cherry juice can help increase the body’s melatonin levels. This helps reduce symptoms of insomnia and can result in better quality sleep.
3 Tart cherry juice’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout. However, the effect seems small and more research is needed.
4 The high antioxidant levels in tart cherry juice may help improve brain function and reduce symptoms of mild-to-moderate dementia.
5 Tart cherry juice may help reduce peripheral neuropathy, a type of pain caused by nerve damage.
6 Studies show that tart cherry juice consumption may lead to modest reductions in blood pressure levels.
7 Tart cherry juice was observed to reduce weight, belly fat and blood cholesterol levels in mice. However, human studies are needed.

* For most benefits, opt for an unsweetened version of cherries or blend two handfuls of tart cherries with some water to make your own!

NUTRIENT CONTENT

These wonderfully delicious tiny fruits are packed with health favoring nutrients and unique antioxidants. Their nutritional value is explained below –

cherry_nutrition_value

RECIPE

While these sweet fruits are absolutely perfect eaten as is, they have the “super power” to revolutionize your simple plate of pancakes, summer cocktails or dessert into something truly bewitching!

Check out these – 15 Amazingly Delicious Ways You Should Be Eating (and Drinking!) Fresh Cherries This Summer by kitchn (one of my absolute favorite food blogs!) From classic cherry pie, to decadent breakfasts, cakes, tarts and cocktails, there is something for everyone here!

**NOTE : PLEASE BE SURE OF YOUR ALLERGY CONDITION and PROMINENCE before trying this “super-food” out!**

WHY YOU SHOULD TRY CHERRIES?

As per Healthline – “Tart cherry juice is rich in nutrients, may offer several impressive health benefits and is a simple addition to just about any diet. Since it seems especially effective at reducing muscle soreness and improving sleep – Therefore, physically active individuals and those suffering from insomnia should consider giving this juice a try.”

Here’s to clean living and a healthy lifestyle! Cheers!

Love,

iScriblr_signature

Disclaimer : The facts and information have been collected/collated from Healthline, Google and Britannica. 

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63 Comments

  8. You have a nice blog and you also write well. Can you please review my first article. I want to know whether it has got any potential or not.

    Reply

  12. Such an awesome info about cherries🍒 and it’s one of my most fav fruit, i justtt love in desserts ☺

    Reply

  13. Very informative post, dear! 🙂👍 Fresh cherries are expensive in our country. It’s a treat when they are in season and are priced low.

    Reply

    1. Thank you sweetheart! 🙂
      I agree these little fruits are a little overpriced for their size! And hence I go for “canned” ones during off season. 😉

      Reply

  16. Love cherries and great to know about so many good things about it. We used to go for lot of cherry picking at local farms when we lived in California !

    Reply

    1. Wow, that sounds wonderful! Wish if I could some day go “cherry picking!” 😉
      Yeah, it’s a great “super food” in a small package! 🙂

      Reply

    1. I have recently added them to my diet – considering that they are anti-aging!🙈
      And.. Oh yes, the trees are undoubtedly a beautiful sight!💕

      Reply

  23. I had no idea there was so many vitamins in cherry juice. I think I might increase my intake a little and decrease the amount of m&ms instead.

    Reply

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