What are the benefits and harms of cherries for human health? Why cherries are useful: properties, vitamins and possible harm.

Cherries are already extremely popular because of their sweetness and juicy taste. But after reading this article, you'll have even more reasons to enjoy these summer fruits. Let's consider beneficial properties cherries for the body: what exactly it contains and what contraindications exist for its use.

Sweet cherries: benefits and harm to your health

How many calories are in cherries? What vitamins, minerals and others useful substances does it contain? You will learn about all this further.

First of all, it is worth noting that cherries are one of the lowest-calorie fruits. Per 100 grams of product, the calorie content of cherries ranges from 50 to 63 calories. At the same time, it is a generous source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Her glycemic index is 25 and this figure is even lower than that of apricots, grapes, strawberries and currants.

Like cherries, ripe red cherries are rich in pigments known as polyphenolic flavonoid compounds or anthocyanin glycosides. They are known to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific studies have shown that moderate consumption of cherries can protect the human body from chronic diseases such as gout, arthritis and fibromyalgia, and also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Other antioxidants in cherries - lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene - fight free radicals and oxidation in the body, which is reflected in aging, blurred vision and other diseases. The antioxidant melatonin also easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and has a calming effect on brain neurons, helping to relieve neurosis, insomnia and headaches.

Other health benefits of cherries include:

  1. A large dose of vitamin C, which is necessary to maintain normal functioning of the immune system and human health in general.
  2. High content of copper, iron, phosphorus, manganese and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids that regulate heart rate and blood pressure. It ensures the proper functioning of muscles, kidneys, heart and nerve cells. When combined with another electrolyte, sodium, potassium also helps balance water levels throughout the body.
  3. In 100 grams of cherries you will find about 2 grams of dietary fiber, which can prevent constipation, reduce the risk of indigestion, lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and promote weight loss.

More details about which vitamins and nutrients contained in cherries, the specially prepared table in the next photo will tell you.

Possible harm of cherries and contraindications to its use

Consumption of cherries is considered absolutely safe for the health of adults and children. At the same time, to date, not enough medical research has been conducted to assure that the daily presence of large doses of cherries in the diet is completely safe. Therefore, monitor your body's reaction and keep in mind the following potential contraindications:

  1. Cherries can cause an allergic reaction in highly sensitive people.
  2. This sweet fruit contains fructose, which is dangerous to the human body if consumed in excessive quantities.
  3. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, cherries should be eaten in strictly moderate quantities. It is generally safe for women during these periods and no harm has been found to date, but limited research warrants caution.

Beneficial properties of cherries for the human body

How exactly do the health benefits of cherries manifest themselves?

1. Promote weight loss and weight loss

In a 2009 study, rats that were given cherry powder added to a high-fat meal for 90 days did not gain as much weight or fat as rats that were fed without the cherry powder. In addition, blood analysis of these rats showed much lower rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

2. Improve Heart Health

Red cherries and sour cherries have been shown to promote cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They also help get rid of body fat, excess weight and soothe inflammation in the abdominal and heart areas, which are especially associated with the risk of heart disease.

3. Prevention of age-related diseases

The anthocyanin pigments found in cherries and red cherries are powerful antioxidants. It has been scientifically proven that these fighters against free radicals and human aging have an anti-inflammatory effect and are involved in the prevention of the following diseases:

  • Formation of tumors, especially colon cancer (anthocyanins block genes that promote cell proliferation and inflammation);
  • Macular degeneration and glaucoma;
  • Metabolic syndrome, which is often associated with high fat intake and precedes the development of type II diabetes;
  • Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and general cognitive decline).

4. Reduce inflammation

Not only obesity, but also long-term physical activity, especially as you age, can cause inflammation, pain, redness and swelling of the muscles, as well as inflammation of the joint cartilage. These same anthocyanins make cherries beneficial for reducing muscle pain, as well as the risk of osteoarthritis and gout. This has been confirmed by the following tests:

  • 54 healthy runners ran an average of 25 km in 24 hours. A week before this event and on the day of it, half of the participants drank 2 times a day cherry juice, the other half is a placebo drink. Both groups reported muscle soreness after the race, but the cherry juice group saw a significantly smaller increase in pain compared to the placebo group. Later, similar experiments were carried out with men performing exercises to flex the elbow, as well as load the knee joint. Both studies confirmed the result of the first.
  • The Osteoarthritis Research Center in the United States asked 58 patients with diabetes and osteoarthritis to drink 2 bottles of cherry juice daily for 6 weeks. As a result, all subjects reported relief from symptoms and pain.
  • The anti-inflammatory benefits of cherries were also confirmed in a study of 633 patients with gout who were given cherry extract for 2 days. The number of attacks decreased by almost a third.

Thanks to these and many other experiments, anthocyanins are now added to medicines and they are even available as a separate food additive E163. In fact, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) have dangerous side effects (renal failure etc.), anthocyanins in cherries have a safe anti-inflammatory effect.

5. Fight insomnia

Cherries contain melatonin. This hormone in our body is produced by a small gland in the brain - the pineal gland - and plays a critical role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Eating cherries and red cherries helps you fall asleep easier and get enough sleep effectively.

Recipes for healthy dishes with cherries for this summer

There are a lot interesting ways consume cherries, and not just eat them by the handful. During the summer season, you can add it to oatmeal, yogurt, salads, desserts, smoothies and cocktails. You can also freeze, dry or preserve cherries in water, apple juice, white grape juice or syrup to fill yourself with vitamins and antioxidants all year round.

To conclude our article, we offer 5 recipes that will help you make the most of the beneficial properties of cherries for your body.

Salad 1. Cherry with quinoa, rice and cabbage

This recipe can be prepared with either fresh or frozen cherries, which are stored in your freezer. It contains many different antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats and potassium. Extremely healthy, satisfying and nutritious!

Ingredients for 4 servings:

  • 2 tbsp. halved cherries;
  • 2 tbsp. prepared quinoa;
  • 1/2 tbsp. wild or brown rice;
  • 1 tbsp. chopped cabbage (preferably kale);
  • 1/2 tbsp. chopped celery;
  • 1/2 tbsp. chopped nuts (almonds, cashews or pecans);
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste;
  • 1/4 tbsp. olive oil;
  • 1/4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar;
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard;
  • 1 clove of garlic (pass through a crush).

Soak the quinoa for at least 15 minutes to remove any bitterness. At this time, start cooking the rice. Wild rice pour in 3 glasses of water and simmer high fire 15 minutes. After soaking, drain the water from the quinoa and add it to the rice and cook for another 15 minutes. The resulting mixture should be al dente, not soft. Combine quinoa and rice with vegetables, cherries and nuts in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing of oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper over the salad.

Salad 2. Cherries with herbs and feta cheese

Ingredients for 6 servings:

  • 6 tbsp. mixed salad greens;
  • 1 tbsp. fresh cherries, cut into halves;
  • 1/2 tbsp. chopped walnuts;
  • 200 grams of feta cheese;
  • 6 tbsp. l. balsamic vinegar(optional).

Place the greens in a bowl and top with cherries, nuts and feta cheese. Sprinkle with vinegar.

Salad 3. Cherries with goat cheese and pistachios

Ingredients for 4 servings:

  • 1 tbsp. halved cherries;
  • 1/4 tbsp. goat cheese;
  • 1/4 tbsp. salted roasted pistachios;
  • 4 tbsp. arugula;
  • 2 tbsp. spinach;
  • 1/3 tbsp. thinly sliced ​​red onion;
  • 1.5 tbsp. l. lemon juice;
  • 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard;
  • 1/2 tsp. honey;
  • 1/4 tsp. salt;
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper;
  • 1 small clove of garlic (pass through a crush);
  • 2 tbsp. l. olive oil.

Combine arugula, spinach and onion in a large bowl. Mix juice, mustard, honey, salt, black pepper and garlic, gradually pouring olive oil. Season the salad with the resulting sauce and stir. Top with cherries, cheese and pistachios.

Smoothie recipes with cherries

  1. Cherry-almond cocktail

Mix 2 cups of pitted cherries and 1 tbsp in a blender. coconut oil. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top.

  1. Cherry and ginger

Pour 200 ml into a blender. almond milk, add 1 frozen banana, 20 cherries, 10 almonds, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 cm ginger root. Mix and serve.

  1. Chocolate cherry smoothie

Mix 2 tbsp in a blender until smooth. cherries, 1 tbsp. milk and 2 tbsp. l. cocoa powder.

  1. Cherry and lime

Ingredients: 1 ripe nectarine or peach, 1 cup pitted cherries, 3/4 tbsp. almond or other milk of choice, juice of 1-2 limes.

Everyone looks forward to the season when the cherries begin to bear fruit. Juicy, sweetish berries appear on the table first, and this is not surprising. In addition to everyone's amazing favorites taste qualities Cherries boast an impressive list of beneficial properties. The berry is used in cooking, it is rolled up for the winter with jam or compotes, and used in folk healing. But do the fruits have any contraindications?

Useful properties of cherries

All parts of cherries are widely used in industry, cooking, and cosmetology. The wood is used to make beautiful furniture, the leaves act as medicinal raw materials, and the bark is used for tanning leather. However, despite this, the berries themselves have greater benefits.

  1. Cherries are good for weight loss because they contain a small amount of carbohydrates. The berry is famous for its ability to cleanse the organs of the esophagus, removing congestion and toxic compounds. Weight loss occurs gradually, the person does not get stressed.
  2. The fruit contains many substances famous for their antioxidant properties. They prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on healthy cells, remove heavy metal salts and other poisons.
  3. Cherries are used in cosmetology to prepare anti-aging, moisturizing, cleansing masks. It helps eliminate purple spots from acne, acne, and tightens pores.
  4. The composition contains flavonoids and coumarin, which are responsible for cleansing the blood channels from the accumulation of cholesterol plaques. Due to these properties, cherries should be taken if atherosclerosis, thrombosis, or varicose veins are suspected.
  5. For anemia, the berry will also bring enormous benefits. The fruits accumulate iron, which is valuable for anemia. With its deficiency, serious pathologies develop. Cherries more than make up for the shortage. This same quality is valued by girls during menstruation, when most of the mineral comes out with secretions.
  6. Due to the presence of pectin, it is useful to eat berries for ailments associated with the digestive system. The fruits stimulate intestinal function, relieve constipation, and normalize stool. If gastritis or an ulcer is suspected, the berry should be included in daily menu without fail.
  7. It is necessary to talk separately about valuable qualities berries associated with metabolic diseases. When systematically eating fruits, metabolism accelerates, all internal organs begin to work harmoniously. The accumulation of iodine in a large volume is required for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system.
  8. Cherry acts as a natural absorbent. When it enters the body, all poisons are neutralized and oxidative processes are prevented. The benefits extend to the activity of the kidneys and liver, and the functions of these internal organs are restored.
  9. For diseases such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis or osteochondrosis, patients suffer from severe pain. Cherries in any form remove salts, promote natural lubrication of joints and restore the integrity of bone tissue.
  10. Due to the presence of B vitamins in decent amounts, cherries are considered an excellent antidepressant. It quickly suppresses insomnia, the consequences of nervous breakdowns, depression, and apathy. You need to eat berries fresh and drink tea on leaves.

Benefits of white cherries

  1. For people who have suffered from low blood pressure since birth immune system, useful cherries white. It concentrates more vitamin C than its red predecessor. Therefore, it quickly increases protective functions.
  2. Exactly this variety berries are suitable for people with sensitive bodies to allergens, as well as small children. When eating, you should not be afraid of developing diathesis.
  3. Not without the value of the berry for the body of the female half of the population. Cherries of this color increase the chances of conception and enhance fertility.

  1. The fruits owe their color to the content of anthocyanins, phosphorus, and flavonoids. In combination, these substances are useful for people with hypertension, as they are aimed at reducing and normalizing indicators.
  2. For atherosclerosis, you need to consume red cherries. This berry will efficiently and quickly cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol deposits and prevent disease.
  3. If you suspect iron deficiency anemia, you should urgently introduce cherries into the everyday food. It will fill the deficiency and prevent anemia in adults and children.
  4. If we talk about application in the field of cosmetology, based on the red berry we get good masks for the face. They tighten and shape the oval, fight sagging and peeling.

Benefits of cherry leaves

  1. It was already mentioned earlier that all parts of the cherry tree can be used, the foliage is no exception. Decoctions and teas are prepared from it to strengthen the immune system, cleanse the body, and prevent blood clots and atherosclerosis.
  2. The juice is squeezed out of fresh leaves and made into a paste. Subsequently, such compositions are used to treat skin problems, stop bleeding, and disinfect abrasions and cuts.
  3. If a person suspects arthritis or rheumatism, it is necessary to pour boiling water (250 ml) over half a handful of raw materials, leave, strain and take 50 ml. three times a day.

The benefits of cherry seeds

  1. Up to 30% is present in fruit seeds fatty oils. From this amount only 1% of esters are made. The kernels are often used in folk medicine due to their diuretic effect. The product greatly facilitates the flow urolithiasis and gout.
  2. Essential oils are often used in the cosmetology industry. It's important to know if long time store the seeds at home, a substance in the form of amygdalin, which is present in the kernels, is converted into hydrocyanic acid.
  3. Also, you should not store jam or compotes made from cherries with pits for more than 1 year. Such a product will not only be useless for humans, but also potentially dangerous.

Cherry for men

  1. Regular eating of fruits will allow male body It is much easier to digest fatty foods. In addition, cherries have a positive effect on the sexual function of the stronger sex.
  2. Berries prevent inflammatory processes associated with the prostate gland. Regular consumption of raw materials will have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional background of men. In this case, the body copes with stressful situations more easily.
  3. It is worth including cherries in the daily diet of the stronger sex to strengthen bone tissue. The fruits also prevent the possibility of baldness.

Cherries for children

  1. Fortunately, not many children have an allergic reaction to cherries. The product should be introduced into the diet gradually. Give the fruits in limited quantities, otherwise the baby will face troubles in the form of flatulence, indigestion and bloating.
  2. Regular consumption of raw materials will help the child’s body remove excess uric acid from the body. The valuable composition of the berries forms new blood cells. If a child suffers from constipation, cherries will be a salvation for him. The product is lightweight laxative effect. In addition, the raw material perfectly strengthens the immune system.

  1. Cherry is a product with valuable composition for the fairer sex during pregnancy. The fruits will especially benefit a woman after winter. At such a time, the expectant mother’s body needs vitamins and enzymes.
  2. Cherry has a positive effect on the health of a pregnant woman and baby. A sufficient amount of retinol allows fetal tissues to form correctly. Vitamin B1 improves metabolic processes in a girl’s body.
  3. The berries also contain vitamin B6, which alleviates the condition during toxicosis. In addition, the substance has a positive effect on the activity of the heart muscle, liver, and brain of the mother and baby. The presence of vitamin PP in the body improves cellular respiration.
  4. The fruits are enriched with calcium and phosphorus. Taken together, such enzymes are necessary for the proper formation of the baby’s musculoskeletal system. Pectin significantly improves performance gastrointestinal tract, so expectant mothers will not suffer from constipation problems.

Cherry for women

  1. Almost every representative of the fairer sex knows that cherries have a positive effect on their condition and health. female body. Therefore, seasonal fruits should be consumed regularly within the allotted time. The berry is practically harmless.
  2. Systematic use of the product will have a positive effect on the health and appearance of every girl. Berries also significantly prolong youth due to the abundance of antioxidants. Cherries contain special substances that help improve menstrual cycle.

Contraindications for cherries

  1. Cherries are strictly contraindicated for diseases associated with intestinal obstruction.
  2. Also, people who suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  3. Berries contain natural sugars that can make you feel worse.

Cherries have a lot of positive qualities. The undoubted advantage of the fruit is that it does not cause an allergic reaction and is practically harmless. Daily norm For healthy people should not exceed 500 g. In other cases, be careful.

Video: health benefits and harms of cherries

The unique beneficial properties of cherries have been known in history since ancient times; in all countries where they grow, healers knew and successfully used their ability to improve the health of the human body at any age. Called “bird cherries,” cherries are actually much healthier and have a milder aroma and taste than cherries.

Composition of cherries

Berries are easily absorbed by the body without overloading the digestive system. Nutritionists studying the benefits of natural gifts note that, in addition to good taste, cherries are healthy due to their rich vitamin composition. One small berry contains a whole storehouse of health benefits: vitamins B, , P, minerals, iron, magnesium, which activate the brain and have positive impact on the human body as a whole. The calorie content of cherries is 52 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Useful properties of cherries

And how useful cherries are in activating metabolic processes! People who have suffered from illness and suffer from poor appetite can almost instantly improve their well-being by eating a couple of handfuls of these juicy berries, improving digestion, brain function and supplying the weakened body with the microelements necessary for strengthening.

The incomparable benefit of cherries, discovered by doctors, is that the biologically active substances it contains - carotenoids and flavonoids - improve blood clotting, prevent the formation of blood clots, and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. People suffering from frequent high blood pressure can consume a small amount of berries daily, which will help slightly reduce blood pressure and improve overall well-being.

The beneficial properties of cherries have been proven by nutritionists and for anemia; the amount of iron it contains helps improve the enrichment of blood with oxygen, preventing weakness and lethargy of the patient. Thanks to their salicylic acid content, which has an analgesic effect, cherries can relieve the suffering of people experiencing attacks of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

The fiber contained in cherries will be useful both for intestinal disorders and constipation, as it can improve the functioning of the suffering intestines. When you cough, you should boil the berries without adding sugar and drink a hot compote, which will improve the discharge of sputum and ease the breathing process.

People with diabetes usually cannot afford to include most fruits in their diet, but cherries contain fructose, which will not put a heavy burden on the pancreas. Availability in ripe berries potassium suggests that the beneficial properties of cherries are also felt by patients suffering from heart disease. Those who regularly consume cherries may note excellent skin condition, which is due to the ability of cherries to stimulate the removal of toxins from the body by the kidneys and liver. This quality is happily noted by people suffering from various skin diseases, including such unpleasant manifestations as psoriasis and eczema. The use of cherries as an auxiliary remedy allows to reduce treatment time. In cosmetology I use cherries as a component. healing masks and scrubs, given its ability to tighten pores, cleanse the skin and rejuvenate tissues.

This berry has unique beneficial properties that have been known since ancient times. Although sometimes called “bird cherries,” sweet cherries are much healthier and have a milder aroma and flavor than sour cherries. How is it useful?

Sweet cherries - benefits and harm to the body

Berries are easily absorbed by the human body, without loading the organs of the digestive system.

Nutritionists who study the beneficial properties of various products, believe that, in addition to the pleasant taste, cherries have beneficial properties due to great content vitamins It contains vitamins C, B, P, A, iron and magnesium, which activate brain function and have positive influence on the human body.

How and when are the beneficial properties of cherries needed?

People who are wondering how cherries are useful need to know that they perfectly activate the body’s metabolic processes. People who have suffered from illness or suffer from poor appetite can easily improve their well-being if they eat a few handfuls of these berries. The benefit of cherries also lies in the fact that they contain biologically active substances - flavonoids and carotenoids, which improve blood clotting, and are also used to prevent the formation of blood clots and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. People who suffer from high blood pressure can eat a small amount of berries every day, and this will help them reduce their blood pressure slightly, as well as improve their overall well-being.

Sweet cherries are useful for anemia because they contain iron, which improves the enrichment of blood with oxygen. Salicylic acid present in cherries has an analgesic effect, so this berry can help people who suffer from rheumatism, arthritis or gout. When you have a cough, you can boil the berries without adding sugar to them and drink a hot compote, which will help clear up the mucus and ease the breathing process. People who suffer from diabetes usually cannot include many fruits in their diet, but cherries contain fructose, which does not overload the pancreas. The presence of potassium in ripe berries suggests that cherries are useful for people who suffer from heart disease.

Harm of cherries and cherry juice

Cherries have few contraindications, but it is worth remembering the benefits and harms of cherries in order to consume them. Cherries can be harmful when consumed by people with intestinal obstruction. If you eat berries while having this illness, the patient’s condition will worsen, and cherries will only cause harm.

What are the benefits of cherries in various areas?

Health Benefits of Cherries in Treating Diseases


  • Cherry has a stimulating effect on the liver and kidneys, and also improves blood circulation.
  • The diuretic properties of cherries help relieve swelling and lose weight.
  • The dark red berries contain anthocyanins and carotenoids, which are extremely beneficial for those suffering from atherosclerosis and hypertension.
  • Coumarins, as well as oxycoumarins, are biologically active substances that reduce blood clotting and prevent the formation of blood clots.
  • Sweet cherries reduce pain from rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
  • Cherry berries contain delicate fiber, which has a stimulating effect on intestinal activity. In case of intestinal atony, spastic colitis or other diseases that are associated with sluggish peristalsis, you should take concentrated cherry juice - 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
  • The high content of iron and vitamins determines the fact that cherries are an excellent remedy with anemia.
  • A decoction of the stalks is useful in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Prevention of diseases using the beneficial properties of cherries

  • A vitamin-like substance called inositol regulates metabolism and brings it back to normal.
  • Fresh berries have a stimulating effect on digestion, they remove from the body harmful products metabolism and excess cholesterol.
  • Amygdalin contained in cherries has a beneficial effect on stomach pain and neuroses.
  • Because of low content organic acids, cherries do not provoke heartburn in gastritis with high acidity.
  • Cherries contain substances similar to female sex hormones, which produce a stimulating, tonic and restorative effect on humans.

Useful properties of cherries in cosmetology

A mask based on the beneficial properties of cherries perfectly tightens pores; it has an astringent and at the same time gentle cleansing and exfoliating effect. To get rid of toxins, you need to use a cherry mono-diet: for one day a week you need to eat exclusively cherries, without consuming any more food or drink. You can eat one and a half kilograms of cherries during the day.

Cherry juice - beneficial properties


We have already talked about the benefits and harms of cherries, now let’s talk about the juice from these berries.

Cherries contain a whole complex of vitamins, the main ones being ascorbic acid, carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, PP, and pectin. Dark red varieties of cherries have a lot of anthocyanins and carotenoids, which helps them have a strengthening effect on the walls of blood vessels. Several small servings of cherries per day are an excellent preventative against bruises, as well as a good help for hypertension, as it lowers blood pressure. Cherries are also effective for anemia, as they contain a lot of iron. Salicylic acid, which has an analgesic effect, makes cherries useful to people suffering from gout, rheumatism, arthritis. The presence of fiber makes cherries an excellent remedy with intestinal dysbiosis. In addition, cherries tend to improve peristalsis, which is very useful for constipation.

Cherries are an excellent expectorant, which helps with coughs. Sweet cherries are good for heart patients due to their potassium content, which relieves the body of excess water. The properties of cherries have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys, forcing them to remove toxins. Cherry also has a beneficial effect on the skin, so it is useful to use for eczema, acne, psoriasis.

The benefits of cherry juice for the human body

It’s not just cherries that have benefits. Cherry juice, tea from this berry, and a drink from its cuttings are also used. The juice is extremely useful for constipation, digestive disorders, and anemia - in such cases, you should drink half a glass of juice several times during the day. A drink from the petioles, which improves kidney function, should be prepared from dried material - pour a glass of boiling water over it and leave until it cools completely. The drink should be consumed, like juice, several times a day. In addition, a drink made from the stalks has benefits for neuroses, as well as increased irritability.

The benefits and harms of cherries: video

When sweet cherries with juicy pulp and almost no signs of acid ripen, the benefits and harm to health are sometimes not taken into account. Big and small gourmets rush to enjoy the taste of one of the first summer berries, but do not forget that under the thin bursting skin both useful substances and possible dangers are hidden.

By appearance and the structure of the cherry berry is closest to that of the cherry. But anyone who has ever had the opportunity to compare their taste can tell you about several important differences. Cherries are inferior to cherries in sweetness, but they accumulate more acids and are more aromatic.

Thanks to its mild sweet taste, this berry is loved by gourmets of all ages. But if the delicacy is intended for children, it is important to know at what age cherries can be given to a child. To whom, and in what cases will this berry benefit, and when is it better to refuse dessert, so as not to harm any family member?

What vitamins are contained in cherries?

The beneficial substances contained in this ripe beauty are simply necessary for our body. During the season, try to eat plenty and have time to freeze or dry it for the winter.

What does cherry consist of, or rather what is included in its composition: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, E, K, PP, C, Malic acid, Citric acid, Succinic acid, Pectin, Flavanoids, Polyphenols, Coumarins Oxycoumarins, Anthocyanins, Glucose, Fiber, Fluorine, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Sodium, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Nickel, Silicon, Iodine, Cobalt and Zinc.

Agree with me that the list is quite long and it is obvious that the benefits of cherries for our body are simply great.

What are the benefits of cherries?

Cherry fruits contain a small amount of organic acids, up to 11.5% sugars, as well as provitamin A, vitamins C, PP and group B, nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). Sweet cherries are rich in phosphorus, iron and potassium, and in terms of the amount of carbohydrates they are significantly superior to cherries.

The kernels of cherry seeds contain essential oil, protein substances, amygdalin glycoside, as well as the enzyme emulsin that breaks it down.

Cherries are useful for:

  1. Disorders nervous system(stress, depression, insomnia).
  2. Kidney and liver diseases - normalizes activity;
  3. Hypertension - normalizes blood pressure, has a mild diuretic effect. For benefit, hypertensive patients should eat a handful of dark red cherries, preferably daily;
  4. Anemia - saturates with iron and other useful minerals;
  5. Rheumatism, arthritis, gout - a serving of cherries will help you endure pain more easily. Concentrated cherry juice has enormous beneficial properties for the body;
  6. Stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis with high acidity. Many foods high in organic acids are harmful to the body, causing heartburn, which cannot be said about cherries;
  7. Spastic colitis, intestinal atony, constipation and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Compotes and juice benefit digestion.

Thanks to high content Cherry antioxidants slow down the aging process and promote cell regeneration. Regular use protects juicy fruits cardiovascular system, and flavonoids bind free radicals, protecting the body from cancer.

Sweet cherries improve metabolism and have a beneficial effect on digestion. The substances included in its composition stimulate the function of the liver and kidneys. It is known that fragrant fruits increase the production of the joy hormone. Fresh cherries enhance intestinal motility and are useful for constipation, while dried cherries have a strengthening effect.

Benefits for women

These berries are recommended for women who want to look chic at any age and please themselves and others. Cherries contain substances that are similar to female hormones. This feature helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and give an attractive appearance.

Cherry helps normalize metabolism, speedy release of toxins and toxic substances from the body and weight loss. In addition, it also has medicinal properties:

  • slows down aging;
  • promotes cleansing of the skin from acne and pimples;
  • due to the high iron content, cherries simply need to be eaten during menstruation, since it is this mineral that is excreted from the body, and the berries can restore its balance;
  • helps maintain vigor and tone.

Due to the diuretic effect that cherry fruits have, you can get rid of edema, which is important both when dieting and simply for keeping yourself in shape.

Benefits for men

Cherries are necessary for quickly digesting fatty foods, which is especially important for men who do not watch their own diet. These fruits also help:

  • reduce blood pressure - this property is of particular importance for men over 40 years of age;
  • restore men's health- improve prostate activity and sexual function;
  • strengthen bone tissue - this is very valuable when playing sports;
  • increase stress resistance.
  • Men prone to baldness are advised to regularly include cherries in their diet to maintain scalp hair.

Cherries for children

Cherries are rightfully considered very healthy. It contains a whole complex of vitamins necessary for the growth and development of a child. Together with cherries, vitamins A, C, B, P and PP, phosphorus, iron and calcium enter the children's body. This berry contains a lot of iodine, potassium, carbohydrates, and organic acids, which regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Cherries are recommended for children suffering from urinary tract diseases, since eating the berries helps cleanse the body of uric acid.

At the same time, many parents are alarmed by the cherry color of cherries. The berry owes its color to the presence of a pigment - lycopene. Therefore, children prone to allergies should introduce cherries into their diet only after 3 years of age and very carefully. Before doing this, it is better to consult a doctor. If there are no prerequisites for allergic manifestations, then a child can be introduced to the berry at 2 years of age. Naturally, at first it will be enough to give just a few berries.

An “overdose” of cherries can cause flatulence, so you need to make sure that your baby eats these fruits in moderation.

Harm of cherries

Presence of diabetes mellitus, increased acidity, ulcerative formations in digestive system, inflammatory processes in the lungs is a serious reason to abstain from this early berry.

Cherries are very useful for constipation, but in people who are not prone to this disease, they can cause diarrhea. A similar situation arises in the case of blood pressure. Cherries are beneficial for hypertensive patients, but undesirable for hypotensive patients. Red fruits are among the foods that can cause allergic reactions, therefore, individual intolerance to fruits is another reason to refuse them.

It is better to give cherries to young children without seeds, because they contain cyenelic acid, which is unsafe for the body. If they are inadvertently swallowed, children and even adults can become seriously poisoned. For the same reason, jam and compotes made with cherry kernels cannot be stored for a long time.

Berries should not be eaten immediately after hearty lunch because they can cause indigestion. But between meals and half an hour before meals, cherries are extremely beneficial. Doctors do not recommend consuming these fruits in large portions, because together with harmful substances, they can be flushed out of the body useful minerals and vitamins.

Folk recipes

The following can be used at home: folk recipes from cherries:

  1. Cherry face mask. A mask made from cherry pulp and sour cream will help relieve dry and flaky skin. These two ingredients must be mixed in equal proportions to form homogeneous mass. The resulting mixture is applied to the face and left for 15 minutes. After this, the mask is washed off warm water. The result: hydrated skin with less irritation.
  2. Cherry mask for oily skin. A cherry mask with lemon juice will help get rid of oily shine, as well as narrow pores and stabilize the lipid balance of the skin. To prepare it you will need 5-6 berries ripe cherries and a teaspoon of lemon juice. The berries must be peeled and pitted, softened with a fork and added lemon juice. Apply the resulting mixture to previously cleansed facial skin for 10 minutes. At the end of the procedure, rinse off any remaining product with warm water and lubricate the skin with moisturizer.

How to freeze cherries for the winter

And the most important thing for last. If you prefer to drink cherry compotes, make face masks or replenish your body in winter useful vitamins, then I advise you to freeze the cherries for the winter.

I do it simply and quickly. I wash the berries in running water, I spread them on a napkin or towel, and after they are completely dry, I put them either in airtight containers or in freezer bags. Then I put it in the freezer.

So we eat all year round healthy berries I wish the same for you.

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