Love Summer Love Cherries

photo by: Julie Danielle

Summer has arrived and  fresh Australian cherries are in the shops! Available from November to February, cherries are a key part of the quintessential Australian summer experience.Nothing tells you summer’s really here quite like the red, juicy sweetness of the year’s cherry crop. Being part of the Prunus family, cherries are generally available in two kinds: sweet cherry and the sour cherry, with over 50 varieties grown in Australia.
The Facts about Cherries that will blow you away:

• Reduce belly bloat
• Anti-ageing power
• Ache easer
• Snooze aid

What’s in them?
Cherries have a unique combination of fibre, antioxidants, melatonin and anti- inflammatory properties, which act together to deliver a range health benefits.

The power of anti-oxidants
Cherries have among the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits. The higher the antioxidant count, the better a food is at helping our bodies fight diseases like cancer and heart disease.
The Power of Red. Eating just one and a half servings (1 1?2 cups) of cherries can significantly boost antioxidant activity in the body, thanks to anthocyanins – the natural antioxidant that give cherries their rich red colour.

Why antioxidants?
Luckily, antioxidants can counter these damaging free radicals. Thousands of studies spanning decades of research consistently and repeatedly show that maintaining a high antioxidant defence system lowers a person’s risk for disease, stimulates the immune system, protects brain neurons from damage, and helps slow the aging process.

Health benefits
While life may not always be a bowl of cherries, recent research indicates that including cherries regularly in the diet can certainly help keep you out of the pits.
Did you know? A growing body of science links cherries’ red colour to heart-health benefits related to reducing inflammation, heart disease, total cholesterol, and belly fat.

Great for your waistline
Forget the vending machine. With only 80 calories per cup, cherries are low in fat, cholesterol, high in fibre and sodium (salt), which make them a delicious, guilt-free snack and an excellent choice when trying to ward off serious sugar cravings.

Melt away the waistline
Cherries may be just what your doctor and personal trainer ordered. The anthocyanins found in cherries could possibly reduced body fat by almost 10 percent, by turning on a fat-burning enzyme.
Helpful Hint: Running on the treadmill for hours and not seeing results fast enough? One cup of cherries are a great pre-workout snack since they’re slowly digested, providing a steady supply of energy throughout your workout.

Beauty Benefits Anti-ageing power of cherries
In Japan, cherries represent beauty, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they are considered one of the top anti-wrinkle foods, and no wonder. Aside from the fact that they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that combat free radicals, TCM recognises cherries as an energizing food that regenerates fluids and strengthens digestion, critical elements for glowing, vibrant skin.
Helpful Hint: Cherry Beauty mask Aside from eating them, you can take advantage of their skin rejuvenating properties with a cherry facial mask. The easiest thing to do is simply crush them (a great way to use those cherries that have gone soft) and smooth the juice right onto your face. You can even add honey, giving an extra beautifying boost. Simply crush a few cherries, add about a tablespoon of honey, and mix well. Apply to a clean, product- free-face and leave on for about 15 minutes. Afterward your skin will feel toned, refreshed, and hydrated.

Heart Booster
Including plenty of red fruits like cherries in your eating plan can help protect against heart disease. Recent research suggest that eating just 1 -2 cups of cherries per day could boost antioxidant activity and cut risk factors for heart disease and inflammation.
Helpful Hint: To achieve your daily recommended amount of fruit plus, boost your fibre and antioxidant intake, simply add chopped cherries to cereal, yoghurt, salads, rice or couscous* (see recipe). Your heart will thank you for it!
Rejuvenation
Cherries have a considerable amount of melatonin, a naturally occurring antioxidant hormone produced by the brain that helps regulate biorhythms and sleep patterns. Eating cherries for melatonin is a natural way to regulate your sleep schedule.

Helpful Hint: Instead of reaching for your usual after dinner sugar-packed sweet treat, try this instead: Place a snack-size bag of cherries in the freezer and enjoy a cool, refreshing palate cleanser before bedtime.
The Gourmet Cure for Pain

Keeping inflammation at bay is what cherries do best. Research shows that cherries have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the pain in people suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout and post-exercise muscle soreness.
Helpful Hint: To help replenish the muscles and speed up recovery after a workout – whip up a cherry smoothie (see recipe).
Tantalizing tips for incorporating cherries into your diet

• For the absolute epitome of freshness, top your cereal, yoghurt or whip up a breakfast smoothie with fresh cherries.
• For that great summer treat, dress your salads in red by adding fresh cherries.
• To compliment the flavours of grilled meats, try a fresh cherry chutney.
• Cool down this summer with a refreshing 100% juice. Add frozen cherries in a juicer and blend. A punchy and vibrant thirst quencher.

To celebrate the arrival of this years cherry season, you could win a cherry red iPod Nano just by sharing your favourite cherry experience. Visit the Love Summer Love Cherries site for more details on how to win, as well as lots of delish cherry recipes.

Filed Under: News