Back in the 1st century AD, cherries came to Europe. In Russia, these trees appeared much later. To date, there are about 100 varieties of cherries, and it grows on almost the entire planet.
There is a lot of controversy whether the fruits of the cherry tree are berries or fruits. If you rely on botany, then any fruit with pulp and a bone is a fruit. Berries must have seeds and develop from the ovary. That is, according to these parameters, the cherry is still a fruit. On the other hand, it is very difficult to call a cherry a fruit, because these are small fruits with a thin skin. Be that as it may, cherries are very useful, they can be eaten at any age.
The composition and calorie content of cherries, vitamins and minerals
Cherries are mostly very sweet, but have a low calorie level – only 52 units.
The vitamin composition of berries will improve the human body. Particularly useful is a substance called inositol. It is this element that improves metabolic processes. Anthocyanins help to remove toxins from the body and strengthen capillaries.
The coumarins contained in the berry can prevent the development of coronary disease and thrombophlebitis.
Chlorogenic acid helps stabilize the liver and kidneys . And pectin stimulates the liver and kidneys. Copper and iron prevent anemia.
What is useful cherry
When eating cherries, remember that these berries help to cope with the following problems:
increase hemoglobin;
prevent the appearance of blood clots;
reduce pressure;
help to cope with arthritis and gout;
reduce the level of uric acid;
used in the complex treatment of epilepsy and other pathologies of the psyche;
help to cope with staphylococci;
prevent constipation.
In folk medicine, cherries are used to prepare expectorants.
The benefits of cherries for women
For the beautiful half of humanity, cherries are useful during menopause. It reduces symptoms.
The berry helps prevent the appearance of varicose veins. It slows down all aging processes in the body and is used for cosmetic purposes.
The benefits of cherries for men
Cherry is a powerful male stimulant. It contains zinc, which is a truly masculine element, which is very important for the male body. This substance helps the production of sex hormones. Decoctions for these purposes can be made not only from berries, but also from leaves.
With sexual weakness, you can prepare a simple but effective decoction. It will take 2 tablespoons of stalks, which are poured with half a liter of water and boiled for 10 minutes. After cooling, the product is ready for use. The broth is divided into 4 parts and drunk throughout the day.
Eating cherries during pregnancy
There are no contraindications for the use of cherries during childbearing. It will be useful due to the high content of iron, which will prevent the occurrence of anemia. Also, this chemical element increases the level of hemoglobin.
Sufficient amount of folic acid in berries. It is she who contributes to the proper development of the fetus and is very important in the first trimester.
Can children eat cherries
As a rule, children love cherries, and it almost never causes allergies. The juice of these berries has a calming effect, so it is ideal for hyperexcitable babies.
The juice will also help in the presence of high body temperature, reduce it and eliminate headaches. Most importantly, do not forget to remind your child that the seeds of berries should not be consumed, they can cause serious poisoning.
Are cherries good for weight loss?
Cherry does not directly affect the process of losing weight, but its low calorie content allows you to include the berry in your diet. But do not console yourself with hopes that the berries will give a magical result. Without physical activity and proper nutrition, there will be no result.
However, cherries allow you to quickly get enough and eliminate the feeling of hunger, which is very important during weight loss. Berries can be used as a snack between main meals. They do not increase glucose levels and help prevent the accumulation of fat in the body.
Eating cherries for diabetes
The low glycemic index of cherries allows it to be included in the diet of diabetics. Anthocyanins , which are part of the berries, improve the functioning of the pancreas.
Diabetics can drink cherry juice, make a decoction of berries. A medicinal decoction is made from the stalks and drunk throughout the day in equal parts before eating.
How to take cherries for medicinal purposes
Cherries themselves are practically not used in medicine. But tree gum on the bark is widely used even in official medicine. It is used in vaccines that are used to enhance the immune response to antigens.
Traditional healers advise eating berries for those who suffer from constipation, as they have a mild laxative property. Cherry helps to get rid of bad breath from the mouth. Naturally, we are not talking about situations where the cause of the smell is caries or other diseases. After eating garlic or other foods with a strong flavor, cherries will help remove the smell.
Cherry helps to cope with hypertension. To do this, 200 g of the pulp of the berries are crushed, 2 cloves of chopped garlic are added, mixed. Add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Drink the medicine should be before each breakfast, 1 tablespoon. This mixture will help to cope with the symptoms of epilepsy and improve appetite.
Juice from berries (freshly squeezed) is recommended to drink with bronchitis and a feverish state. And if you mix it with watermelon juice, you get an excellent remedy for kidney stones.
The use of cherries in cosmetology
In cosmetology, berry seed oil is widely used. This oil allows you to enhance the regeneration of the skin and slow down the aging process. The main thing is that such oil should be made by cold pressing.
Cherry harm and contraindications
You can not use cherries in the presence of an allergy to ascorbic acid and in the presence of gastritis with high acidity.
If the tooth enamel is thin, then after use it is recommended to rinse your mouth and drink the juice from a straw. The use of seeds of berries is unacceptable. They contain acid, which can cause poisoning.
Benefits of cherry leaves
The leaves of the cherry tree contain the same amount of nutrients and vitamins as the berries. From the leaves you can brew a delicious and healthy tea, which has a diuretic effect and removes toxins. It will be useful for colds. And if you add a little honey to the drink, you can strengthen the immune forces of the body.
How to choose and store
Quality berries should be elastic and have a bright color. It is best that the cherry has petioles, so it will last longer. There should be no mold or lesions on the berries.
You can store berries in the refrigerator, but not longer than 5 days. Store in the freezer for up to 12 months. It is not recommended to store it longer, as it dries out and the amount of nutrients in it decreases.