The Benefits of Eating Cherries

 The phytochemical anthocyanin gives cherries their red, purple, or black colour.

Anthocyanin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Heart Disease

Laboratory studies on anthocyanin show antioxidant effects that might help prevent the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Other studies show the anti-inflammatory benefits of anthocyanins that may also help to protect the heart.

Cancer

A study on the effects of anthocyanins on colon cancer cells showed no beneficial effect inside cells but did show a strong potential for neutralising nitrogen-containing free radicals in the bloodstream or colon. This might help protect against stomach and colon cancer.

How To Eat Cherries

Enjoy your cherries fresh. Cooking will leach some anthocyanins into the cooking water. Green stalks are a sign of freshness. To preserve vitamin C the cherries should be stored in the fridge.

Some people are allergic to a specific protein in the cherries. They should always be eaten on an empty stomach i.e. as breakfast first thing  in the morning.

An average portion of cherries is about 10, when I start eating cherries I can't stop and end up eating at least 25 !

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