Emma Miller
Cherry is an unusually tasty berry that has earned itself a following thanks to its rich and beautiful color, bright aroma, and pleasant sourness. In addition, it is very healthy for the body, but not everyone can eat it.
What are the health benefits of cherries?
Cherries are famous for containing a wide range of vitamins and minerals. In particular, the berry contains potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, silicon, and phosphorus. In addition, it contains pectins and fiber (5-8% of the daily value of 100 g of berries).
Cherries are especially rich in vitamins A and C. 100 grams of cherries will provide about 20% of the daily requirement for vitamin A and 17% for vitamin C.
Tart and sour cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that improves sleep. It also has an antidepressant effect.
Cherries contain a large number of flavonoids, which provide better absorption of vitamin C and thus benefit the immune system, skin, hair, and joints.
A variety of organic acids give the berry its sour taste: tryptophan, folic, malic, salicylic, succinic, citric, and other acids. They stimulate digestion and the production of gastric juice. They also inhibit the growth of harmful putrefactive bacteria. Pectins in cherries envelop the intestines and accelerate peristalsis.
The red color of cherries is due to anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. They help cells survive stress through oxidative processes. People involved in sports are recommended to eat cherries, as the berry helps the body recover faster and train longer.
Cherries are good for the heart and blood vessels. Vitamin PP together with ascorbic acid increases vascular permeability. Cherries thin the blood thanks to the coumarins in their composition. They prevent blood clots.
Cherry is the champion of the lowest glycemic index among fruits, it is 22.
Reference. The glycemic index (GI) is a conditional coefficient that shows how fast the carbohydrates contained in a food product are absorbed by the body and increase blood sugar levels. All foods are compared to the glycemic index of glucose, which is equal to 100 units.
Who should not eat cherries?
For some people, cherries can be harmful, so they should be consumed with caution, and those who are allergic to the berry should exclude it from their diet altogether.
It is necessary to give up cherries in case of exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and in case of food poisoning.
Due to the large number of acids in its composition, cherries irritate the gastric mucosa and can cause heartburn. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat it on an empty stomach.
After eating cherries, you should rinse your mouth, as the acid destroys tooth enamel.
Cherries can harm people with high stomach acidity, exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis.
When is the best time to eat cherries?
The berry should not be eaten on an empty stomach. It is better to eat it after a main meal containing proteins and fats.
Nutritionists advise adding cherries to cottage cheese, sour cream, or yogurt.
How many cherries can you eat per day?
After the main meal, you can eat no more than 100 grams of cherries. A large portion of these fruits (about 300-400 grams) can provoke indigestion and diarrhea.
What happens if you eat too many cherries
Oxycoumarin and coumarin contained in cherries normalize blood clotting and its composition. Vitamin C and tannins increase vascular tone and strengthen capillary walls.
In addition, cherries have a mild diuretic effect and a beneficial effect on the heart muscle. All this leads to a natural decrease in high blood pressure.
Important! There are contraindications to eating cherries, so in case of health problems, you should definitely consult a doctor.
