Health BENEFITS of Cherries:
High in Vitamin C
- works as an antioxidant fighting damaging free radicals
- assists the body in making collagen protein
- helps strengthen the immune system
(see full list here)
High in Potassium
- works with sodium to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
- monitors the electrical activity of the heart
- required for proper nerve conduction and muscle contraction
(see full list here)
High in Manganese
- helps the body absorb calcium
- important for strong bones and joints
- supports antioxidant enzymes that fight free radicals
(see full list here)
High in Flavonoids (Phytonutrients)
- neutralize cancer-causing free radicals
- lower triglycerides and inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation
- reduce inflammation in arteries and help prevent heart disease
High in Phenolic Acids (Phytonutrients)
- help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals
- assist in reducing chronic inflammation
- have antimicrobial properties that can destroy harmful pathogens
Good Amounts of:
MACRONUTRIENT PERCENTAGE OF CALORIES
(1 cup cherries = approximately 87 calories)
MACRONUTRIENT BREAKDOWN
(grams per 1 cup cherries)
24.7g
Carbohydrates
1.6g
Protein
.3g
Fat
FIBER & NATURAL SUGARS
(grams per 1 cup cherries)
3.2g
Fiber*
19.7g
Natural Sugars*
NET CARBS
(grams per 1 cup cherries)
21.5g
Carbohydrates – Fiber = Net Carbs
*Recommended fiber intake is 25g for women and 38g for men each day per the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
*Natural sugars occur naturally in whole foods. There is no specific recommendation for natural sugars. However, the recommended maximum amount of "added sugar" per the American Heart Association is 24g (6 teaspoons) for women and 36g (9 teaspoons) for men each day. Added sugar is the sugar added to processed and packaged foods and does not include natural sugars. The less added sugar in your diet the better! (4g sugar = 1 teaspoon of sugar)
Nutritional Data Source: U.S. Agricultural Research Service Nutrition Data Release 28.