Important about the health benefits and harms of eating cherries
When sweet cherries with juicy pulp and almost no signs of acidity ripen, the health benefits and harms are sometimes not taken into account. Big and small gourmets are in a hurry to enjoy the taste of one of the first summer berries, but do not forget that beneath the thin bursting skin both useful substances and possible dangers are hidden.
In appearance and structure, cherries are closest to cherry... But anyone who has ever had the opportunity to compare their taste can tell you about several important differences. Cherries are inferior to sweet cherries, while accumulating more acids and more aromatic.
Sweet cherry attracts with its early ripening of large berries, which, depending on the variety, can be densely burgundy, scarlet, pink and even white.
Due to its mild sweet taste, this berry is more popular with gourmets of all ages. But if the delicacy is intended for children, it is important to know at what age the cherries can be given to the child. To whom, and in what cases, this berry will benefit, and when it is better to give up dessert, so as not to harm any family member.
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Nutritional value and calorie content of cherries
- 10.5 grams of sugars;
- 1.1 grams of dietary fiber;
- 0.1 grams of saturated fatty acids;
- 0.5 grams of ash;
- 0.1 grams of starchy substances;
- 0.1 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- 85.7 grams of moisture;
- 0.6 grams of organic acids.
Those who are concerned about their own weight and health are rightly interested in the calorie content of foods in the diet. How many calories are in cherries? It is impossible to give an exact figure, because the accumulation of nutrients, taste and energy value depends on the variety, degree of ripeness and growing conditions.
It is generally accepted that there are 50–55 kcal per one hundred grams of ripe fruits, which makes it possible to recommend cherries for weight loss. True, it is better to use it in moderation, not forgetting about the sweetness.
The juicy cherry flesh that melts in your mouth is actually rich in fiber. It helps you fill up quickly and gently balance your blood sugar levels, which is important when dieting. The 10–12% sugar accumulated over the summer determines the amount of carbohydrates in the cherry.
What minerals and vitamins are in cherries?
The value of the culture is not only in the delicious taste of the fruit, but also in the high concentration of vitamins, minerals and other bioactive compounds. The composition of cherries includes such macro and microelements as potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus, magnesium and sodium.
What vitamins in cherries are most beneficial and interesting in organizing preventive, dietary and therapeutic nutrition? The leaders are vitamins PP and E, K, C, B2 and B1, A and beta-carotene.
Ascorbic acid is an important element of many metabolic processes. Vitamin C supplies the body with energy, responds to immune defenses, timely cleansing of toxins, and the regenerative capacity of tissues.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene are responsible for the health and beauty of skin and hair, the functioning of the reproductive system and immunity, the ability to rejuvenate and protect against infections. Together with anthocyanins, these substances actively resist aging and the negative effects of the environment.
Vitamin K has a beneficial effect on calcium absorption and the quality of muscle, cartilage and bone. This compound is involved in energy metabolism.
One of the most important antioxidants is tocopherol or vitamin E. It not only prevents aging, but together with vitamin K prevents the formation of blood clots in the vessels, and has a positive effect on muscles. Due to the presence of this vitamin, cherries are useful for the woman's body, which arouses the interest of those who have difficulties in conceiving and bearing a baby. Sweet berries in the diet will help to establish potency in men and the work of the endocrine system.
Thiamine and riboflavin as B vitamins and an integral part of the beneficial properties of cherries are necessary for the renewal of cells throughout the body. These compounds respond to the functioning of the digestive, nervous, vascular and heart systems.
Cherry properties useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases
Vitamins, iron and other biologically active substances in the composition of cherries have a beneficial effect on blood quality:
- increasing the hemoglobin content, improving the supply of oxygen to the blood, thereby preventing the development of anemia;
- preventing the formation of clots that can degenerate into blood clots.
In addition, among the useful properties of cherries is strengthening the walls of large and small vessels, which is extremely important with an increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, varicose veins and other diseases of the vascular system and heart.
Not only are cherries a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The fiber-rich pulp perfectly stimulates digestion, activates the intestines, helping the body to gently and naturally get rid of harmful waste and toxins.
If there are no contraindications, the juice of sweet fruits can be used for sluggish bowel syndrome. Taking 1 tablespoon three times a day will help normalize the situation.
What cherries are useful for is their ability to speed up rehabilitation after operations, injuries, and debilitating illness. Berries not only replenish the body's reserves of vitamins, amino acids and minerals. They:
- improve appetite;
- toning up, improve mood;
- have a mild analgesic effect;
- relieve swelling;
- fight inflammation.
The color of cherry fruits of different varieties is different. If pink, yellow and white berries are appreciated by people with a tendency to allergies, then bright red and burgundy fruits are a godsend for those who seek to preserve youth for a long time, cope with insomnia and other consequences of stress.
How is sweet cherry useful for a woman's body?
By including cherries in the diet, a woman "kills two birds with one stone." Firstly, the menu is replenished with a delicious dessert, and secondly, berries help to perfectly maintain beauty and health.
Darkly colored cherries are indicated for anemia, which is especially dangerous while waiting for the baby and with the threat of miscarriage. At an older age, this berry will ease the course of menopause, delay aging and prevent the development of hypertension. Cherries:
- has a mild laxative and diuretic properties;
- increases hemoglobin;
- strengthens blood vessels;
- relieves nervous tension.
What else is sweet cherry good for a woman's body? Juicy berries can be used not only for food, but also externally, making homemade masks for the face and hair from them. Cherries are a source of moisture, fruit acids, vitamins and anti-aging antioxidants necessary for the skin. The pulp cleanses the integument from impurities, keratinized particles and skin secretions. In addition, cherries help eliminate swelling and eliminate traces of inflammation without the risk of drying out.
Is it possible to eat cherries while losing weight? Yes, containing both fiber and a little carbohydrates, the berry will not provoke weight gain, support mood, tone, provide energy and vitamins.
At what age can a child take cherries?
Given the abundance of nutrients and the universal love of children for sweet cherries, parents pamper their kids with this juicy berry as soon as possible. However, what is useful for an adult is not always good for an immature child's body.
Fiber, acids in the pulp, an abundance of carbohydrates and especially allergens can cause poor health at an early age.
Sweet cherries with light, yellow and white berries are classified as food with a low allergenic hazard. To eat cherries with benefit and without harm to the body, the baby must be at least 8 months old.
Dark-colored cherries, like cherries and other red berries, are more likely to cause unwanted reactions. Therefore, it can be given to a child from 10-12 months.
Berries should be included in the diet carefully, 2-3 pieces per day, observing the response of the baby's body.
Young mothers often ask whether cherries strengthen or weaken. By stimulating the intestines, the berry has a mild laxative effect. However, intestinal discomfort in a child may be a sign of an allergy. In this case, a negative reaction to cherries can be expressed:
- in respiratory phenomena, for example, nasal and throat congestion, redness of the eyes, sneezing;
- in redness, swelling, irritation and itching of the skin;
- in a digestive disorder, consisting in diarrhea, excessive gas production, cramps, soreness.
The main risk group is children who already show signs of food allergies to other types of foods. If there are no visible changes in the baby's behavior and well-being, gradually increase the portion.
Eating cherries for type 2 diabetes
Due to the peculiarities of their well-being, diabetics pay serious attention to their diet. In type 2 diabetes, the body produces an excess amount of glucose, and you can cope with the negative consequences of this by following a special diet.
Glycemic index cherries is 22, while the berries do not contain too many carbohydrates, but they are rich in fiber and anthocyanins. Dietary fiber slows down the digestion and absorption of sugars. And anthocyanins, which are natural antioxidants, stimulate the production of a person's own insulin. Therefore, the use of cherries for type 2 diabetes is allowed, unless the attending physician has no other reason to prohibit it.
Fresh or frozen without sweetening berries can be eaten half an hour after the main meal, carefully observing the sugar level.
In moderation, juicy fruits not only diversify the menu. If the daily portion does not exceed 100 grams, the berries will support the body, saturate it with vitamins, improve mood and activate the digestive processes.
Contraindications for the use of cherries
Despite the abundance of useful properties, the use of cherries can be the cause of exacerbation of diseases and deterioration of health. You cannot eat fresh fruits if you have:
- allergies to this type of stone fruit;
- pancreatitis in the acute stage;
- acute gastritis, colitis, dyspepsia or exacerbation of any gastrointestinal diseases.
If the diseases are in remission, the fruits can be included in the diet after consulting a doctor and subject to the recommended standards. It is extremely important for women to observe the measure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
To eat cherries with benefit and without harm to health, you need to pay attention to the existing contraindications and adhere to the recommendations of nutritionists. Doctors advise against eating fresh fruits on an empty stomach and immediately after a hearty meal. Even healthy people are better served with berries after half an hour. In this case, they will bring maximum pleasure and benefit, pushing the bowels.