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Nutrition Facts And Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are a very delicious type of stone fruit. They are highly favored by many people mostly because of their delicious taste and can be eaten raw or used in producing juices, smoothies, fruit salads, cakes, ice creams, pastries and several other delicious foods. They come in various colors ranging from yellow to deep blackish-red and in various flavors and are also seen in two different categories: the tart cherries and the sweet cherries. Cherries are soft and juicy on the inside.

Like every other fruit, cherries are known to be packed with nutrients, rich in fiber and make a delicious addition to every meal. However, there are several health benefits associated with cherries that make them very special fruits to include in the diet. Here are the top health benefits of cherries. [1]

High Nutrient Content

Cherries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other essential nutrients, making them very nutritious fruit options to add to a person’s diet. Here is the nutrient content of a cup(154 grams) of sweet raw non-pitted cherries;

  • Calories: 97kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 11mg
  • Vitamin K: 3.2mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.1mg
  • Manganese: 0.1mg
  • Potassium: 342mg
  • Magnesium: 16.9mg

A cup of raw non-pitted cherries contains 18% of the daily value of vitamin C, 10% for potassium, 4% for vitamin K, 4% for vitamin B6 and 4% of the daily value for magnesium. Cherries are indeed highly nutritious.

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for boosting and maintaining the body’s immune system; potassium is essential for muscle contraction, maintaining normal blood pressure, maintaining normal nervous system functions and so on.

Fiber is essential for maintaining gut health and normal bowel movement. These are all nutrients that the body needs to function properly.