Outstanding health benefits of cherry fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

Outstanding health benefits of cherry fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

1. The cherry fruit belongs to the Rosacea family. They may be tiny as well as fleshy, fresh fruits which contain a tough seed internally. Cherry fruits are generally approximately circular having a depression at apex (top) of the fruit. The skin is actually sleek and glossy and typically ranges from pale to extremely deep red, even though yellow as well as white cultivars can be found. Obtainable in numerous varieties, the 2 main types which are generally consumed would be the wild or even sweet cherry Prunus avium and also the sour cherry Prunus Cerasus . Cherry

2. Cherry trees range in dimensions, from 6 to 30 feet in height with respect to the cultivar.  Presently there are in addition a number of shrub cherry cultivars just like ‘Red Nanking’ cherry. The cherry tree has got unique reddish colored brown bark along with rows or even spots of horizontally markings known as lenticels. Cherry foliage is light to dark green in color as well as at the same time organized across the stem.  The very simple foliage is 2 to 6 inches lengthy which has a perfectly toothed border. Cherry

3. The term ‘cherry’ originates from the Turkish town of Cerasus . The German term Kirsch – the cherry liqueur originates from the term karshu . This is actually the title provided to the cherries which were very first grown in Mesopotamia within 8 BC. Canada holds the history for cooking the largest cherry pie on earth. A pie with a weight of 39,683 pounds was cooked in Oliver, British Columbia that broke the history which was previously held by Traverse City. A long time ago, offering ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas was banned. Cherry

4. Traverse City, Michigan celebrates the annual National Cherry Festival since 1925. Known as the National Cherry Festival since 1931, the big event is currently organized for just two days to commemorate cherries. Fun activities such as pie consuming competitions, cherry pit spitting, as well as the Grand Royale Parade with all the Cherry Queen are definitely the main points of interest of the event. USA Today has rated this particular as one of the top 10 fests. Cherry

5. Cherries in Weight Loss A cherry is made up of more than 75 percent water. This water content makes them a perfect weight loss food as foods that are high in water and low in calories keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time than foods and drinks that are higher in calories. They are also loaded with fiber, at almost 3 grams per serving. This fiber helps accelerate weight loss and reduces your cholesterol levels by slowing its absorption into your blood. Eating them can help you lose weight and stay trim.

6. Cherry Protects from Diabetes Sweet-cherries have a lower glycemic index of 22, lower than apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums. This makes them a better choice of a fruit snack compared with many other fruits, especially for diabetics.

7. Cherry Good for the Heart and Reduces Risk of Stroke Health Benefits of Cherries – They are very high in potassium, which helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure and reduces the risk of hypertension. The phytosterols in it help reduce bad cholesterol levels. Tart-cherries provide cardiovascular benefits

8. Cherry Relief pains and Bone Strength They  contain substances known as anthocyanins – purple and blue pigments that give them their color. These compounds reduce pain related to inflammation, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. They are also used to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and gout, and contain boron, which helps increase bone strength when consumed in conjunction with magnesium and calcium.

9. Cherry Promote better sleep.  Melatonin is a nutrient that the body needs to make the most of its sleep. People who take melatonin supplements usually do so because they’re trying to sleep better. You can do this, or you can go about it naturally.

10. Cherry Improve eyesight. One of the popular health benefits of cherries is that they are so high in beta-carotene (a pre-cursor to vitamin A) that they trump blueberries and strawberries. Vitamin A is widely known as essential for good eye health, including the prevention of cataracts, night blindness and dry eyes.

11. Cherry Heals wounds. Well , not exactly. But the high amount of vitamin A causes skin to heal faster.

12. Cherry Reduces inflammation. Cherries have become popular as one of the natural world’s most powerful and potent inflammatory. This means they are beneficial to a variety of medical conditions. The anthocyanin in cherries prevent free radical damage and inhibit specific enzymes better than many anti-inflammatory drugs.

13. Cherry Boosts memory function. The anthocyanins also produce powerful effects on the brain that have been shown to improve memory. How does more memory sound? Dazzle your friends on the next memory game. Become superhuman.

14. Cherry Relieves arthritis.   Sore ? The Arthritis Foundation recommends drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day. Due to the anti-inflammatory health benefits of cherry juice, this can reduce arthritis pain.

15. Cherry for Constipation & Digestion: While the  fiber  in cherries help relieve  constipation , the acid in them  aids  digestion. Again, the antioxidants in cherries keep the digestive system in order. The flavonoids stimulate the digestive juices and bile while the vitamins help in the proper absorption of the nutrients.

16. Cherry protects from Cancer : The flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C are extremely powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds. They efficiently inhibit the growth of cancerous cells as well prevent the triggering of new cancerous growths, free radicals being the main culprit behind them.

17. Cherry helps in Brain Function and Nervous System:  Flavonoids and carotenoids are very effective in improving the efficiency of the brain, improving memory and keeping it active, which are otherwise reduced due to the action of free radicals as a nearly unavoidable part of aging. Those who are afraid of having a dull brain and a low memory capacity in their old age, start eating cherries! You can remain quick and mentally clever even into your nineties

18. Cherry has Anti- ageing properties: Being endowed with the highest level of anti-oxidants, in comparison to other fruits, it helps in slowing down the ageing process by fighting those free radicals present in the body which make the skin look older.

19. Cherry for Beauty sleep: Cherries are believed to be sleep inducing agents as they contain a chemical called melatonin, which regulates the sleeping pattern. Sleep is of utmost importance for overall health and beauty. A sound sleep eventually results in glowing and radiant skin.

20. Cherry Relieves Migraines: The anthocyanins and bioflavonoids present in cherries help relieve headaches and migraines by reducing inflammation in the body. The effect of these compounds is comparable to that of aspirin and ibuprofen

21. Cherry Aids Muscle Recovery: Consumption of a cup and a half of tart cherries or a cup of tart cherry juice can greatly reduce muscle inflammation and soreness following rigorous exercise. Research conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University of America reported that the athletes who drank tart cherry juice before a long distance relay experienced less muscle pain after the race than their other counterparts. Another research by London Bank University concluded that after drinking cherry juice, athletes regained 90% of their normal muscle force in 24 hours. This benefit can be attributed to the exceptional anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries.

22. Cherry as Sex Booster: Being packed with Vitamins A and C, cherries can boost libido in men and women. Vitamin A improves testosterone and estrogen levels whereas Vitamin C boosts sexual appetite and improves men’s semen volume.

23. Cherry for Treatment   Of Anaemia : Black cherries are rich in iron and so regular consumption can prevent anaemia which is caused due to iron deficiency

24. Cherry for Treatment Of Skin Cherry juice is an effective alternative treatment of skin conditions like acne, rosacea and vulgaris. The high content of vitamin A and antibacterial properties of cherries remove toxins from the blood and eliminate the bacteria trapped under the skin

25. Cherry as Good Cleanser: A paste of mashed cherries, when applied on the skin, acts a great cleanser to make your skin smooth and soft. The acidic property of cherry for skin causes the dissolution of the human glue that holds the dead skin together, thus eliminating the problematic dead cells and cleansing your skin from within.

26. Cherries and gout Cherries are especially useful for treating gout.  Gout is a kind of arthritis linked to an unusually high amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is made in the liver and sometimes too much uric acid is made. Needle-like crystals form as uric acid levels increase, and these crystals build up in the joints over time, resulting in the pain and inflammation typical of gout.

27. Cherry Are a great snack  When you’re reaching for the biscuits and chips, reach for the cherries instead. Among the health benefits of cherries is the fact that they are a great snack for whenever you feel peckish . 

28. Cherry Promotes Healthy Hair: Cherries are excellent sources of anthocyanins and beta-carotene which are vital for hair health. Cherry extracts are used in various supplements and hair care products meant to combat hair problems like split ends and hair fall.

29. Cherry Improves Immunity Melatonin is also one of the elements of cherries which enhances the immune system. This health benefit of cherries helps us to protect ourselves from summer health troubles. The melatonin property of cherries have also proved to be one of the elements which prevents heart attack.

30. Cherry for Pregnancy The delicious red fruit can boost your health during pregnancy as cherries are a storehouse of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein, iron, calcium and others. Therefore, cherries can be a healthy snack option for pregnant women. Here are a few more ways cherries can benefit you:

31. Cherry Promote newborn’s brain health: Anthocyanins found in cherries protect neural cells and promote brain health of the fetus  . A new variety, Balaton cherries can help you in preventing pregnancy brain (bouts of forgetfulness during pregnancy)

32. Cherry Relieves Swelling Anthocyanin, the red pigment in cherries, is known to be very effective in reducing the inflammation, swelling and joint pains that you usually experience when you are pregnant.

33. Cherry Alleviate fatigue: Loaded with excess water content, cherries, on regular consumption, give an energy boost, and help keep fatigue away.

34. Cherry Control blood pressure levels The potassium content in cherries works towards water retention and blood pressure control in the body. It, thereby, prevents the risk of  preeclampsia during pregnancy .

35. Cherry Strengthen blood vessels: Vitamin C present in the cherry fruit strengthens the blood vessels, helping them to pump enough blood to the fetus.

36. Cherry has Expectorant property: Cherry is a useful expectorant for treating all the cough related conditions. It helps to relieve cold, cough, bronchitis and asthma.