By: Ivana Dragica |
Chase away insomnia, prevent inflammation and clean the urinary tracts with cherry |
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Lovely dark red cherry (Lat. Prunus cerasus) originates from North India and Iran, and is popular since ancient times.
It was adored by the Persians and the Romans, who introduced it to Britons who later distributed it around the world.
According to Buddhist legend, cherry tree offered its fruits to Maya, the Buddha’s mother, to keep her healthy and fed during pregnancy.
Legend has foundations, because cherry nourishes the body and gives a feeling of satiety.
The healing properties of cherries
Cherries are known for their many medicinal properties and antioxidant properties.
They are rich in vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium, iron and fibers.
Cherry contains phenols, gallic and p-coumaric acid, kaempferol and quercetin.
Strong anti-inflammatory properties make the cherry helpful for reducing the pain associated with gout and muscle inflammations, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Research confirms that twenty cherries a day or a concentrate of that amount have the same effect on pain relief as aspirin or ibuprofen.
A powerful anti-inflammatory agent
Acute inflammations are response of the body to injury, infection, improper diet and allergens.
If inflammation last long they can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, arthritis, asthma and diabetes.
Recent studies provide more evidence of a positive effect of cherries on inflammation reduction.
In one study, ten people drank 250 ml of cherry juice every day for two weeks, after which they experienced significant reduction of inflammation, their triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels - risk factors for developing heart disease - were normalized.
Protects against free radicals
Sour cherries are rich in phenolic compounds - powerful antioxidants that protect the nervous system and prevent oxidative stress.
It is important for the elderly, because it protects them against neurodegenerative disorders such as memory loss, senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Due to the high content of anthocyanins, cherries have a significant effect on cancer prevention, especially colon cancer.
Chase away insomnia
Cherry is one of the few fruits that contain melatonin - a natural hormone that regulates sleep.
Our body normally naturally secretes melatonin hormone, which is secreted only at night, usually after 21:00 pm, and encourages sleep.
Before going to bed, drink a glass of cherry juice. This will allow you a deep, steady and relaxing sleep.
Melatonin is also used to treat symptoms of menopause, medication withdrawal, breast cancer and prostate cancer, hyperactivity and attention deficit.
The healing properties of cherries:
- nourishes and protects the brain
- reduces the risk of diabetes
- helps with kidney ignorant
- favors the digestive system
- promotes weight loss
- improves sleep
- reduces the risk of heart disease
- helps with inflammation of the urinary tract
Benefits of other parts of cherries
Dried cherries have similar effect as fresh ones. They are an ideal supplement when fresh cherries are not available.
Cherry stems are used for making tea that helps expelling sand from the urinary tract, cellulite, impotency, kidney disease and chronic cough.
Cherry leaves are a great beauty product, and help with dandruff and swollen eyelids.
Cherry seeds are used as hot and cold packs, and as a filling for pillows.
Planting and harvesting cherries
Cherry is planted in the fall. It can be successfully grown in almost all soils, except from the soils that are too wet or too heavy.
Over thousands of years of cultivation, many cherry cultures have been produced.
In the northern parts of Croatia, northern cherry varieties are successfully cultivated, while in Dalmatia we find Maraska cherries.
Cherry begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting. Harvest time begins in June.
This fruit is a common ingredient in fruit cakes, juices and other delicious desserts. In addition to its taste, cherry also has great aroma, which makes it a popular addition in many cosmetic products.
Cherries in cuisine
Sour cherries are available throughout the year in frozen, candied, dried or canned form and as a juice, but fresh cherries are still the healthiest choice.
To take advantage of all the benefits of cherries, consume one to two cups of them daily.
There is a long list of dishes you can make from cherries, including different desserts, cakes, sauces, jams, juices, compotes and many more.
Cherry juice
Ingredients:
- 5 kg of cherries
- 3.5 kg of muscovado sugar
- 25 grams of citric acid
- 1 liter of water
Preparation:
Mix cleaned cherries with citric acid and water. Leave the mixture for 24 hours, strain through a cloth, add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Pour the juice into sterilized bottles and seal.
Cherry energy bars
Ingredients:
- 2/5 cup of almonds
- half a cup of ground flax
- half a cup of dried cherries
- half a cup of dried cranberries
- stevia or other natural sweetener
- 2-3 tablespoons of water
Preparation:
Grind all the ingredients well. Spread the mixture over a pan and cut into bars
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