What do you think of when you think of cherries? A sweet, juicy cherry pie? Summer? Cherries are incredibly versatile and are even delicious in savory dishes.
But of course cherries can also have a health benefit for humans. They contain many vitamins, potassium, anthocyanins. Some varieties (e.g. Montmorency) are particularly high in melatonin.
The cherry
The origins of the cherry lie in Europe and Western Asia. Archaeological finds suggest that cherries were collected as early as the Stone Age. Over the centuries, cherry trees have been valued in various cultures for their fruit and beauty. Today, cherries are grown in many parts of the world, with the USA, Turkey, Iran and Italy being among the largest producers.
There are two main varieties of cherries: the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus). Sweet cherries are often eaten raw, while sour cherries are more likely to be used for industrial use and in processed products such as juice, jam or pastries.
Health benefits of cherry
The health benefits of cherries are many and well-established scientifically. Here are some of the most important:
- Rich in antioxidants: Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins and vitamin C. These antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage that can lead to chronic diseases.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Studies show that cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in relieving joint pain and treating diseases such as arthritis. The anthocyanins found in cherries help reduce inflammation in the body and can relieve pain naturally. Promote sleep quality: Cherries, especially sour cherries, are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Consumption of sour cherry juice has been linked to improved sleep quality in studies.
- Supporting heart health: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cherries can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Anthocyanins and flavonoids in cherries have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which contributes to heart health.
- Supporting heart health: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cherries can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Anthocyanins and flavonoids in cherries have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which contributes to heart health.
- Improving muscle recovery: Cherries are particularly interesting for athletes and fitness enthusiasts because they can promote muscle recovery. Studies show that consuming cherries or cherry juice after exercise reduces muscle pain and inflammation and shortens recovery time.
Did you know?
In the Middle Ages, cherry trees were believed to bring good luck - especially if you kiss in their shade. So, the next time you see a cherry tree, you know what to do!
Was the right product not there? Feel free to ask us about your product request, because not all products in the portfolio can be found online. We look forward to hearing from you.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
Sources: