Cherry Season: The Delicious Health Boost You Need

Cherry season is here, bringing a rush to the produce aisles. Cherries, among the healthiest fruits, are rich in antioxidants that help maintain the body’s tissues.

Mariana Orbach, head of the Nutrition and Diet Unit at Clalit in the Dan-Petah Tikva district, shares insights with Mako about the amazing benefits of this beloved fruit. “Cherries are loaded with powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids,” she explains. “These compounds offer protection against cancer, boost the immune system, and act as anti-inflammatories, supporting vascular health and easing rheumatoid arthritis. They also slow aging and reduce damage caused by free radicals.”

An added bonus is their high vitamin C content. “Both sweet and sour cherries provide about a quarter of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C per 100 grams,” she notes, adding that cherries are also rich in fiber. “Fiber promotes a feeling of fullness and supports regular bowel activity, thanks to the pectin it contains.”

Cherries are also packed with essential minerals. “Potassium helps maintain normal heart function and lowers high blood pressure; iron is vital for creating hemoglobin and enzymes, preventing anemia; phosphorus supports bone health and numerous bodily processes; and calcium, even in small amounts, is essential for bone and teeth development as well as nervous and muscular system functions.”

In addition, cherries contain various vitamins, particularly from the A group, which are essential for healthy mucous membranes and vision. “B vitamins contribute to proper nervous and digestive system function, muscle tone, metabolism, and more,” Orbach adds.

Cherries may even act as a pain reliever and sleep aid. “Folk medicine has long recognized the pain-relieving effects of cherries, especially cherry juice. Interestingly, cherries contain melatonin, a hormone-like compound that regulates sleep, which may explain the connection between cherry consumption and improved insomnia.”

A 100-gram serving of pitted cherries contains about 58 calories and 14 grams of carbohydrates. “It’s best to store cherries in the fridge and consume them within a week of picking. They can also be frozen for up to a year,” she concludes.