I love cherry season, and every cherry season I head off to the local market to grab some of this nutrient dense summer delight fruit.
Did you know the humble cherry was named after a Turkish town called Cerasus, where they grew in an abundance? Since then cherries have migrated across nations, which started with colonists from Europe in the 1600s, to becoming one of the most favoured little fruits around the world. Especially at Christmas.
In 1847, a man named Henderson Lewelling traveled from Iowa to western Oregon by ox cart. He brought with him nursery stock which became the first cherry trees planted in the Northwest of the USA.
All fun facts aside, let’s now chat about cherries and their health benefits, as they have many. Apart from tasting great in yummy Christmas desserts.
So how does the humble cherry benefit you?
Apart from their great taste, they are highly beneficial for your health.
Cherries are low in calories and chock full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and other good-for-you ingredients. You’ll get vitamins C, A, and K. Each long-stemmed fruit delivers potassium, magnesium, and calcium too. They also bring antioxidants, like beta-carotene, and the essential nutrient choline.
Here are some key medicinal uses of cherry consumption:
- If you are blood deficient or have anemia, then cherries are your go to. They are rich in iron, and helps to build blood
- Cherries are used in Chinese medicine to build qi, or vital life force
- They are recommended if you are suffering from gout or rheumatism, as they have an ability to eliminate excess acid in the body
- Cherries have a warming thermal nature, and are good if you feel the cold easily
- Prevents involuntary seminal emission
What are you waiting for? Let’s go and get some cherries!
