Have you ever imagined that something sweet and delicious could have countless health advantages? Well, get ready to be amazed because dried cherries are nature’s gift for you. You’ll not only satisfy your taste buds, but also, there are vast benefits of eating dried cherries.
Besides the lip-smacking sweetness of dried cherries, they are powerhouses bursting with vitamins(A & C), antioxidants, and some essential nutrients. They are one of the most health-protective dried fruits, making you feel good. Let’s delve into the world of dried cherries and explore their benefits!
8 Health Benefits of Eating Dried Cherries
Do you know nature has instilled immense health benefits in tiny, tasty dried cherries? Here we go!
Dried Cherries Contain Antioxidants
Dried cherries are rich in antioxidants, like superheroes protecting your body from free radicals. These free radicals are known to be damaging to cells of the body.
Anthocyanin is a pigment present in dried cherries that is responsible for antioxidant properties and gives fresh cherries their red colour.
Antioxidants slow down ageing and help ward off chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes.
Improves Heart Health
If a snack is a friend to your heart, then you have dried cherries! Studies show that antioxidants in dried cherries help reduce the risk of heart disease.
A study by the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that Anthocyanin in dried cherries strengthens the blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
This magic dried fruit also reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body, and according to studies, every 1% decrease in lousy cholesterol lowers the risk of heart disease by 2%. Woah!
We all know that high blood pressure is a trigger to many diseases. So, the intake of potassium-rich dried cherries lowers high blood pressure and, in turn, the risk of heart disease.
Gut- friendly Dried Fruit
Among many health benefits of eating dried cherries, one of them is to make your gut happy! The fibre content in this wonder helps digestion and keeps your food moving smoothly.
In addition to this, dried cherries relieve constipation and lower the risk of haemorrhoids and other digestive diseases.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, cherries are a rich source of melatonin, which is considered to have the potential for cancer prevention.
Cherries have a chemical polyphenol that helps lower inflammation and improve overall health. So, a diet rich in polyphenols protects against many chronic diseases, including cancer.
Aid in Weight Management
Are dried cherries good for weight loss? That’s a burning question for Weight Watchers. Dried cherries are rich in fibre, so when you need them, you feel fuller and, in turn, consume fewer calories. So, incorporating them into your diet will aid in weight loss over time.
Make sure to take unsweetened dried cherries as they don’t have added sugar, which is even better for your health.
Relieve Arthritis and Gout
When you have arthritis and gout, dried cherries are like ultimate snack buddies. Arthritis is the inflammation (pain and swelling) of the joints. The Anthocyanin present in the dried cherries reduces the effect of inflammation if consumed regularly.
While gout is the buildup of uric acid in the body, this superfood is there for the rescue. Studies show that eating 10 cherries a day has helped minimize the impact of arthritis and gout. So, when you’re munching dried cherries, you’re treating your taste buds and providing helping hands to your body.
Support Sound Sleep
Imagine having a sweet snack that helps you sleep like a baby, and yes, dried cherries are your super choice! Studies have shown that the consumption of dried and tart cherries improves the quality of sleep.
Dried cherries are also a source of melatonin- a hormone that balances the sleep-wake cycle. Also, if you’re having insomnia, dried cherries will be your best bet to get a restful and sound sleep.
If you suffer from jet lag, dried cherries have your back! When you reach the destination, take this superfood for three consecutive nights, and you’ll see the benefits of dried cherries.
Protective against Diabetes
Are dried cherries suitable for people with diabetes? That’s the concern people with diabetes have because no one wants to leave this delicious dried fruit. The answer is yes, they are good!
Dried cherries have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause a sudden spike in sugar levels in people with diabetes. As everything in excess is harmful, please take it in moderation to reap the benefits of dried cherries. Moreover, tart cherry juice is also reported to lower blood sugar levels.
Dried Cherries Side Effects
Dried Cherries are High in Calories
One-third cup of dried cherries contains 130 calories, making them caloric-dense dried fruits. You might find yourself eating excessively, so try to eat in moderation to avoid weight gain.
Low in Protein Content
Dried cherries contain one gram of protein, and that’s extremely low compared to what’s needed daily. The Institute of Medicine recommends taking 56 grams of protein for men and 46 grams for women per day.
Storage of Dried Cherries
Like many other dried fruits, dried cherries should also be kept away from sunlight. It’s better to store them in a dry, cool place and in an airtight container to increase their longevity. Dried cherries can remain fresh for four to six months if stored properly.
Wrapping Up
From antioxidant properties and heart and gut health to relieving gout and arthritis, dried cherries have all the goodness! Thus, the amazing benefits of eating dried cherries make them the ultimate worth for our body, leading to a happy and healthy life.
FAQs
- How many dried cherries should you eat a day?
To get the most out of this gem, experts recommend eating one-fourth cup of dried cherries daily.
- Is eating dried cherries good for you?
Yes! Dried cherries are good for your health. They improve heart health, relieve joint pain and gout, lower high blood pressure, and improve gut health.
- Are dried cherries full of sugar?
Dried cherries are naturally sweet in taste. Some manufacturers add sugar to them, so try to eat unsweetened dried cherries to avoid any side effects of excess sugar.
- Are dried cherries good for sleeping?
Yes, dried cherries are good for sleeping as they have a high amount of the sleep hormone melatonin. It improves overall sleep patterns and quality.
- Do dried cherries have any benefits for the skin?
Dried cherries contain antioxidants that destroy free radicals that make your skin look dull. However, the antioxidants make your skin feel younger and healthy. Dried cherries also remove dark spots that appear on your skin due to sun exposure.
