Add the cherry on top! Five health benefits of this ruby-red fruit that you should know about

The phrase ‘adding a cherry on top’ can have a very literal meaning too, especially when it comes to health benefits. These little ruby-red fruits with their sweet-and-sour taste not only make for great cake and pastry toppings but in themselves are powerhouse of antioxidants.

These fruits are found mostly during fall, and late winter in India. However, mid-May they are back in the season to add some pizzazz to your bland salads and accompany those summer cocktails. Most importantly though, they also protect you from various ailments and promote good health in several ways. Here’s a low-down of the hidden benefits of this vibrant fruit that is often relegated to the realm of toppings.

Cherries Promote A Good Night’s Sleep

If you have trouble sleeping or take melatonin supplements before going to bed because you are an insomniac, you should definitely add cherries to your diet. Cherries contain melatonin and therefore naturally aids in better sleep of individuals.

Keeps Cholesterol Under Control
Studies have shown that cherries, especially any drink made from cherry juice, is beneficial in reducing LDL cholesterol, which is mostly responsible for higher risk of heart attacks. In fact, cherry juice can be beneficial to control issues of fatty liver too, as it decreases liver triglycerides.

Regulates Blood Pressure, Prevents Diabetes
Cherries help regulate both systolic and diastolic blood pressure thereby stabilising hypertension. These fruits also have low glycemic index perhaps due to their tartness, which means that they do not trigger insulin spikes in our bodies, thereby preventing diabetes. They are also a great source of carbohydrates for those who already have diabetes type II.

Reduces symptoms of Arthritis and Gout
Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and can provide pain relief, and are good for patients of osteoporosis as it provides protection from cellular wear and tear. However, more importantly, these fruits provide relief from the pain of arthritis and gout.

Sweet Cherries Give You Good Mood
Research has shown that cherries, especially the sweet ones, are great mood boosters as they reduce cortisol levels, and thereby reduces your anxiety.