Cherries are one of the most popular fruits in the world! They are divided into two basic groups – the sweet and the sour. Sweet cherry, particularly the black cherry fruit is known for its incredibly delicious, sweet taste. These cherries have a deep blackish-red pigment, which earns them the name. Besides making for a great snacking option, Black Cherries are also loaded with key nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help you enjoy great health. In this article, we shall take a look into some of the best Black Cherry Benefits to our body.
What Is Black Cherry?
Black cherry is one of the sweet cherry varieties, which is also called a Wild Cherry. These fruits are extensively grown in the North and South American regions. They get their black colour pigment from the high amounts of anthocyanins in them, making them one of the antioxidant-rich fruits.
Are Black Cherries Good For You?
Black Cherries are considered to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They contain a high concentration of anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, gout and other joint-related problems. Black Cherries also rich in antioxidants to prevent heat-related problems, Cancers and even diabetes.
Black Cherries Vs Red Cherries:
Red cherries, as the name indicate are bright red in colour. They are sweet with a mild tart flavour. These cherries are consumed in whole or used in juices and desserts. Black Cherries, on the other hand, have a dark purple colour, which almost looks like black. They are very sweet in taste and have more pulp. These cherries are best-eaten whole.
Read: Different Kinds of Cherries
Nutritional Value Of Black Cherries:
Here is the break up of 100 gms of Black Cherry Nutrition facts:
- Total Calories: 63
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Sugar: 12.8
- Protein: 1 gm
- Fibre: 2 gm
- Potassium: 222 mg
Black Cherry Benefits For Skin, Hair & Health:
Here we enlisted 20 amazing black cherry uses for health, hair and skin. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Induces Good Sleep:
Tryptophan and melatonin are some of the enzymes that are present in black cherries making it one of the perfect foods for those who want a good sleep. Insomnia or lack of sleep is known to cause a lot of health ailments including something like depression. Have some black cherries before hitting the bed and see yourself in deep and sound sleep.
2. Prevents Heart Diseases:
Quercetin is one of the antioxidants present in black cherries in good amounts. This antioxidant has anticarcinogenic properties that according to professionals help in keeping all kinds of heart diseases at bay. This is one of the benefits that you should look forward to solely because of the rise in heart problems nowadays.
3. Keeps Cancers At Bay:
Black Cherries are loaded with antioxidants which fight free radicals that responsible for Cancers. There are enzymes in black cherries known as amygdalin which is a type of phenolic acid. This helps in the reduction of the size of cancerous tumours in the body and also prevents it from spreading into the body causing cancer. This is again a benefit that you would want to reap.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties:
The ability to actually reduce and then gradually treat inflammation is again one of the advantages form black cherries that you should seek out for. Anthocyanins in the black cherry act as natural pain killers and give you relief from joint related disorders like Arthritis, Gout etc., For this purpose, you need to consume black cherries on a regular basis in the daily diet.
5. Cures Arthritis:
The build-up of uric acid in the body in the form of crystals is what leads to arthritis as well as its types like gout. This leads to inflammation and extreme pain in the joints. Taking the juice of black cherries helps in the treatment of arthritis and the pain that it brings along. This is sole because the enzymes anthocyanins in cherries help in breaking down the uric acid and flushes it out from the body. About 10 ounces of black cherry juice is recommended here each day for a couple of weeks.
6. Protects Tooth From Decays:
The compounds of the fruit are known to control the plaque formation in the mouth which is the main cause for tooth decay and cavities. Black Cherries are also known to fight bacterial formation in the mouth, which can bad odour. They also have teeth whitening properties. This is one of the main Black cherry health benefits.
7. Protection To Skin:
Cherries offer numerous benefits to your skin. Regular intake of black cherries protects the skin as a sunscreen to UVA and UVB rays of the sun. The beta carotene in the fruit is responsible for this aim. It also promotes skin health along with protection. Anthocyanins help in the prevention of skin cancer. This is one of the best Black cherry concentrate benefits.
8. Control Hair Loss:
Black Cherries are also known to strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss. The rich levels of iron in black cherries help in the prevention of anaemic conditions. Anaemia is known to lead to hair loss. So if you want to fight off the problem of hair loss, then nothing better than having a handful of black cherries.
9. Delays Signs Of Aging:
Another important benefit of black cherries is its potency in dealing with the signs of ageing. The antioxidants in cherries help in flushing out the free radicals that cause damage to the body and the skin. This also keeps the skin firm and youthful and prevents fine lines and wrinkles that make the face dull.
10. Antioxidant Benefits:
The black cherry fruit is one of the most famous fruits in the world, especially known for its taste. Only a few people are aware of the health benefits of black cherry. It has been proved that this fruit reduces oxidative stress and allows the body to fight different infections and diseases. It neutralizes the free radicals in the body which are harmful to it and keeps your health from the core.
Read: Health Benefits of Eating Cherries
11. Promotes Hair Health:
Apart from preventing hair loss, the black cherry fruit can make the hair healthy from the strands. The extracts of this fruit are been used in several supplements which are also the reason behind the anti-ageing property (discussed previously). With the help of black cherry, you can avoid split ends which further leads to less hair loss. This is one of the best benefits of black cherry for which people are so much fond of this fruit.
12. Lowers Uric Acid:
According to scientific studies, it has been proven that daily consumption of this wild black cherry juice can reduce uric acid levels thus causing fewer pains. It can eliminate the crystals in the joints which build up to form a blockage thus causing tremendous pain. Well, black cherry can fix that and relieve that pain. Because of these health benefits of black cherry, the extracts of this fruit is also known as dark liquid medicine.
13. Good Post Workout Snack:
A lot of people don’t know about the health benefits of black cherry. The fruit has the capability of reducing the soreness in the muscles and making you feel better. This is one of the best benefits of black cherry which allows it to be consumed as a post-workout treat. If you have an ice cream containing black cherries, then you’re not just providing your body with fat and artificial sugar, you’re also providing your body with the goodness of black cherries.
14. Fights Bacterial Infections:
The black cherry fruit has the capability of fighting a number of bacterial infections because of its healthy properties present in it. A lot of people use it as tasty anti-bacterial food. The fruit is famous almost all over the world because of its organic benefits. Fighting bacterial infection with the help of a fruit is the most natural and healthy way of eliminating diseases.
15. Reduces Neurological Diseases:
Black cherry has a number of health benefits and fighting neurological diseases is one of them. The fruit has been proven to fight diseases related to nerve and eliminate a number of nerve tissues in the body. Doctors confidently prescribe this fruit to a number of people and for this reason, this is one of the healthiest fruits ever.
16. Lowers Bad Cholesterol:
Black cherry can effectively reduce the bad cholesterol content in the body. Studies show that consuming black cherry juice regularly can lower LDL levels and thereby preventing heart problems. Being a low-calorie fruit, Black cherries are a healthy alternative to junk and oily snacks!
17. Fights Diabetes:
Black cherries can boost your insulin levels, which in turn controls your blood sugar. This is why Black cherries are highly recommended for diabetic patients, especially as an in-between-meal snack. They are also high in nutrition, offering Vitamin C, Potassium and Fiber in good doses. This is one of the best benefits of eating black cherries regularly.
18. Regulates Blood Pressure:
As per research, Black cherry juice is known to lower the systolic reading of your heart. By lowering blood pressure, black cherries can prevent sudden heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. There is an evidence-based study that Black cherry juice can reduce the chances of strokes by almost 35%!
Read: Benefits of Drinking Cherry Juice
Black Cherry Side Effects:
Here are some of the major side effects of consuming Black cherries in excess:
- Digestion Disorders
- Loose Stools, due to fibre
- Internal Gas
- Bloating
- Stomach Cramps
- Allergies due to black cherry extract on sensitive stomachs
Black Cherries are a culinary delight, that is grown in cool climates. These fruits are a rare sight in the Indian market and are available in selected online stores. They also cost a fortune, making them one of the lesser-known fruits to the locals. However, if you get a chance to go abroad and visit one of the western countries, Black cherries can be relished to your heart’s content.
