Cherries are a particularly common type of fruit, and there are records of them in the “Bencao Tujing”: “Cherries, the best are those from Luozhong and Nandu. Those that are deep red when ripe are called ‘zhuying’, those that are bright yellow are called ‘laxing’, and the largest ones resemble bullets, with fine pits and thick flesh, which are particularly rare.”
Though small, cherries are rich in nutritional value, boasting immense energy hidden in their tiny bodies. Their vibrant and translucent appearance captivates at first sight, and their sweet and sour taste makes them utterly irresistible.
Nutritional Components of Cherries
Every 100 grams of fresh cherries contains 1.2 grams of protein, 11 milligrams of calcium, 27 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.4 milligrams of iron, 232 milligrams of potassium, 8 milligrams of sodium, 1006 milligrams of magnesium, 210 micrograms of carotene, and 10 milligrams of vitamin C.
The iron content in cherries is over 20 times higher than that of the same amount of apples, oranges, or pears, making it the highest among fruits. The vitamin A content is 4 to 5 times higher than that found in grapes, apples, or oranges.
The Healthy Little Red Fruit: Four Major Health Benefits of Cherries
1. Blood-Boosting Effects
Cherries have a relatively high iron content, 20 to 30 times more than apples. Iron is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the body, playing an important role in immune function, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism, while also being closely related to brain and nerve function and the aging process.
2. Beauty Maintenance
For some women, regularly consuming cherries can help in whitening the skin due to the proteins, iron, vitamins, and other substances they contain. They help fade wrinkles, remove dark spots, and improve skin elasticity, serving as a beauty and skincare aid that helps maintain youthfulness and benefits women’s health.
3. Eye Protection
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to eye fatigue and difficulty seeing in the dark. Cherries are rich in vitamin A and carotene, so regularly consuming cherries can help protect our eyesight, especially for those who work on computers.
4. Sleep Improvement
Cherries are rich in tryptophan and serotonin, both of which are beneficial for mood and sleep. However, many foods, including milk and millet, are also high in tryptophan.
Additionally, cherries contain a unique substance called melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the human brain, which can adjust the body’s circadian rhythms and is widely used to improve sleep and adjust for jet lag.
Only Just Learned Today, “Cherries” Shouldn’t Be Eaten Freely? Doctors: For These 5 Types of People, Avoid Joining the Crowd
1. Patients with High Uric Acid
Cherries contain a substance called purine, and for patients with high uric acid levels, excessive intake of purine may lead to elevated uric acid levels, potentially causing issues such as gout.
Therefore, if you are a patient with high uric acid, especially a gout patient, it is best to consult a doctor before consuming cherries to ensure your dietary choices are safe.
2. People on a Diet
For those on a diet, it is not recommended to consume cherries excessively, as they are a type of high-sugar fruit. Overconsumption can lead to excessive calorie intake, resulting in weight gain.
