When cherries are in season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy their many health benefits. These small but powerful fruits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support heart health.
Protect Your Heart
Cherries are a heart-healthy superfood. A cup of fresh cherries provides 260 milligrams of potassium, minimal sodium, and a rich source of plant sterols—nutrients that help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Potassium helps regulate heart function, while plant sterols aid in lowering cholesterol. In addition, cherries are high in vitamins A, C, and E, and rich in polyphenols like flavonoids, which give cherries their vibrant color and provide strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants combat inflammation and help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Cherries in Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, cherries are believed to invigorate the heart and improve circulation. The shape of cherries even resembles a heart, aligning with the principle of “food energetics,” where consuming foods that resemble certain organs is thought to benefit those organs. For example, eating walnuts is believed to strengthen the brain. Cherries are also considered to have warming properties, which help stimulate blood flow and nourish the heart. They are believed to help eliminate blood stasis, which can improve cardiovascular health. These traditional beliefs complement modern findings on cherries’ ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting heart health from both ancient and contemporary perspectives.
Additional Benefits and Tips for Sensitive Stomachs
Cherries are known to promote better sleep due to their natural melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan content. Their anti-inflammatory properties also soothe muscles. You can enjoy cherries fresh, dried, or juiced for heart health and overall wellness. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, fructose intolerance, pancreatitis, bile duct inflammation, or peptic ulcers, it’s best to eat cherries in moderation. Their salicylate and fructose content may cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or digestive issues. In traditional Chinese medicine, cooking or baking cherries is often recommended for those with digestive issues, as it makes them gentler on the stomach and easier to digest. This aligns with the belief that warm, cooked foods are generally more beneficial for digestive health and overall well-being.