Cherries Are For More Than Just Pies...

Who doesn't love cherries? They're sweet, tart, and juicy all in one bite.

I love to cook my proteins with them. I like to experiment with cherries in my pastries, muffins, and cookies. Traditionally, cherries are accustomed to filling the responsibility of being pie filling. However, there are huge health benefits to consuming one of the most health-protective foods.

The small and juicy fruit originates in regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are a few types of cherries that are grown in the United States, and three types of cherries are grown between Europe and Asia.

Cherries are known as one of the healthiest foods to eat. As a potent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, cherries can relieve ailments that could affect our day to day functions.

Cherries are classified into two major categories: Sour cherries are from the Prunus cerasus family. Sour cherries are grown in Michigan, New York, Utah, and Washington. Sweet cherries are from the Prunus avium family. Sweet cherries are grown in Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The color of cherries varies from yellow to deep blackish-red.

Pick a few cherries to eat as you explore the health benefits of this super fruit.

Cherries protect heart health.

Everyone deserves to live their life to the fullest.

Potassium and polyphenol antioxidants found in cherries promote proactive heart health. Potassium and polyphenol antioxidants are essential for a regular heartbeat and sodium removal from your body. High intake of potassium has been paralleled to the reduction in heart disease and stroke.

Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, flavonols and catechins, which may keep your heart healthy by protecting against cell damage.

According to Healthline, a study with over 84,000 participants found that higher anthocyanins, flavonols, and catechins reduced the risk of heart disease over a five-year span. Diets rich with cherries can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cherries acts as a sleep aid.

A good night's sleep is important for all of us!

The sleep-promoting benefits in cherries could cater to the fruit's high concentration of plant compounds. According to Healthline, a study in twenty participants showed that those consuming cherry juice concentrate for seven days experience an increase in melatonin levels, sleep duration, and quality.

A two-week study of older adult participants with sleeping troubles drank cherry juice and fell asleep 84 minutes faster.

Cherries slow down the aging process.

Cherries can give you the Bahamas glow you always wanted.

Cherries are high in polyphenols, a group of plant chemicals that help fight skin cell damage, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.

The high antioxidant content found in cherries may help fight oxidative stress, a condition that's associated with chronic aging.

One review found consuming cherries effectively reduced inflammation in 11 out of 16 studies, and markers of oxidative stress in eight out of 10 studies.

Cherries boost muscle and joint recovery.

As a cardio, fitness lover, muscle soreness is a concern for me.

I have a busy business schedule after my fitness sessions, so potassium is essential in my diet. Luckily, I add cherry juice concentrate to my smoothies in the morning for faster muscle recovery.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in cherries help relieve muscle pain caused by exercise and bruises. Cherries reduce the uric acid in your body, which is essential for people with gout.

A study involving 10 female participants found consuming two servings of sweet cherries lowered levels of uric acid, and the inflammatory marker C-reactive proteins, also known as CRP.

According to Healthline, a study of 20 women participants that consumed tart cherry juice twice daily have recovered eight days quicker with less muscle damage and soreness.

Another study showed cherry consumption is beneficial for osteoarthritis sufferers.

A separate study with gout participants who consumed cherries for two days showed a 35 percent lower risk of gout attacks compared to those who didn't consume cherries.

Another study in 633 participants with gout demonstrated 35 percent fewer gout attacks than participants

Cherries are a "Jack of all trades."

The benefits of cherries don't stop here—this super fruit has many advantages.

Cherries are a good source of fiber, which relieves your digestive system's health by fueling useful gut bacteria and promoting bowel regularity.

Cherries also provide vitamin B, vitamin K, manganese, copper, and magnesium. These essential vitamins and minerals are needed to strengthen your spleen and regular appetite.

Happy pickin'!