الجمعة، 30 نوفمبر 2012

Health Benefits of Cherries

Are cherries healthy? Cherries are high in antioxidants, help reduce the risk of cancer, inflammatory problems, and heart disease. They are low in fat, calories, and have a high water content. Cherries are a great addition to meals; they complement almost any sweet or savory dish.
The beginning of cherry season is always exciting. Cherries are most well known for the American favorite- cherry pie, but they’re also great added to a bowl of yogurt in the morning, made into a rich sauce to accompany duck breast, and canned during the winter season. But did you know that cherries pack a lot of nutritional punch?
The benefits of eating cherries are numerous. Cherries are considered to be high in disease fighting antioxidants, studies have shown that a diet high in cherries have helped to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory problems such as arthritis. Cherries also contain melatonin, which helps slow the aging process and helps regulate sleep patterns.
There are many vitamins in Cherries such as Vitamin C and Cherries contain many other nutrients such as Cherries also contain high levels of nutrients such potassium, and beta-carotene. A diet that includes cherries has been proven to help decrease body fat, cholesterol, and inflammation. Since these are all risks in heart disease, cherries are vital part of the diet.
How many calories are in a cherry? There are only 4 calories in one cherry and one cup of cherries is only 74 calories. Cherries are low in fat, and have a high-water content. Research has shown that increasing water consumption will boost energy levels and increase metabolism. Besides their high nutrition value, cherries are extremely diet friendly.
Nutrients found in Cherries
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin A
  • Bioflavonoids
  • Ellagic acid
  • Perillyl
  • Anthocyanins
  • Melatonin
Health Benefits of Cherries
  • Help fight cancer
  • Aid in prevention of heart disease
  • Relieve Pain of Arthritis, Gout, Headaches
  • Ease the symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia Syndrome
  • Provide a healthy and safe way to produce melatonin
Cherries have a magnificent taste, sweet or sour. Their taste stands alone but they are also great in desserts or even dried for an afternoon snack.
A great way to enjoy cherries is to incorporate them into homemade granola bars. Granola bars are great to have on hand and by adding cherries you are upping your daily antioxidants with every bite.
On The Go Granola Bars
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground linseeds
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups of flour
200g frozen cherries, chopped
2 cups mixed chopped nuts (pecans, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds would taste great!)
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1/3 cup of honey
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or seeds of one vanilla bean
2 eggs
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13” rectangular baking tray with baking paper. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and pour into the baking tray. Use the back of a wooden spoon to press the mixture down into the dry until condensed. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Let cool for 20 minutes and then cut into squares.

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