“Life is just a bowl of cherries.” So goes the proclamation from the great old song.
And while this happy little phrase is mostly a metaphor for the pleasant state of everyday bliss, it could be changed to something a little more scientific, like maybe--”Healthy metabolic functioning of the human body is assisted by the addition of cherries to the diet.”
That little phrase just doesn’t roll off the tongue quite so merrily as the line from the song does though!
Maybe we could strike a balance by just saying---”Eat cherries--they’re really good for you!”
So, what are some of the health benefits of cherries?
Cherries are low in calories (that’s always a good start) and high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Cherries are high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, in addition to being a good source of copper, iron, and potassium.
And, the potassium can actually help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
They are also a good source of fiber, which aids in the health of the digestive system, and is useful in maintaining a stable body weight.
The antioxidants in cherries are believed to be helpful in combating free radicals in the body, thus aiding in the prevention of the development of cancer cells.
And, the anthocyanins found in cherries are helpful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chemicals found in cherries are also believed to be helpful in combating arthritis and other forms of joint inflammation.
And, cherries actually contain melatonin--the hormone that helps the body sleep. You might want to try sipping a bit of cherry juice before bedtime (rather than taking a melatonin supplement) to help you get a more restful night’s sleep.
And on and on and on we go with all this healthy and good-for-you business! Let’s not forget that cherries also taste really good and can be consumed as a great “finger food” when added to a tray of fresh veggies.
Want to grow a cherry tree or two at your homestead? Consult the Stark Brother’s Fruit Tree catalog or website for varieties that are suitable for your locale.
That way, you can pick your own while you’re singing that little song “Life is just a bowl of cherries.....”
