The cherry (Prunus Avium) is the fruit of many plants and is a fleshy drupe (stone fruit). This fruit is cultivated in most of Europe, western Asia, and parts of northern Africa. Their vibrant dark red color and strong taste are indicators well known across the world.

Here are 7 health benefits of cherries.

1.     Cherries could help maintain your blood sugar levels.

The glycemic index ranks food and drinks based on their blood sugar increase potential. Foods high in the glycemic index like white rice and white bread will break down easily and could cause the blood sugar levels and the insulin levels to spike after meals, which is followed by rapidly dropping blood sugar levels. The sugar from cherries is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, which prevents sugar crashes, sugar cravings, and mood swings.

2.     Cherries can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Cherries are loaded with potassium and a low content of sodium, which can contribute to fighting hypertension. They are well known because of its high potassium content. One cup of cherries contains 342 milligrams of potassium, compared to zero milligrams of sodium. This helps the blood vessels relax and maintains proper blood pressure.

3.     Cherries could contribute to improving your heart’s health.

Fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium have been known to improve the heart’s health. The recommended 4,700 mg of potassium are not obtained by many individuals in the United States, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, despite the benefits of increased potassium intake. One study suggested that people who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium per day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium, approximately 1,000 mg per day.

4.     Cherries may assist in fighting off cancer.

Cherries contain polyphenols that show anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They protect body cells from damage and prevent tumor growth. They also stimulate detoxifying enzymes within cells and promote cancer cell death. Also, cherries contain manganese, a natural antioxidant, and essential mineral.

5.     Cherries may help you digest food efficiently.

Cherries contain a high amount of dietary fiber with 3 grams per cup. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. Fiber can help prevent constipation, making one’s bowel movement easier to manage.

6.     Cherries can help you fight infections.

One cup of cherries contains 18 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements. Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance to infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body. Also, cherries contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and cyanidin.

Research published in the Journal of Natural Products suggested that the anthocyanins and cyanidin content in cherries possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities comparable to commercial products.

Cherries also contain small amounts of quercetin, a polyphenol shown to have antioxidant effects.

7.     Cherries are great for hair and skin health.

Adequate vitamin C intake helps your body create and maintain collagen, a vital protein found in hair and skin. Also, cherries have a vitamin A. Vitamin A helps regular the production of retinoic acid, which is important for sebaceous gland function.