Cherry
Cherries are fruits with a central stony –hard seed surrounded by small edible pulp. They come in small sizes , measuring about 2-3c.m in diameter. Externally they covered by bright shiny red or purple thin peel which is also edible. Cherries are very delicious fruit & it is full of health benefitting nutrients & unique antioxidants. Botanically this fruit is a drupe (stone fruit) belonging to the Rosaceous family of small tree .Some other common drupe family fruits are plums ,peaches & apricots .ect .Although several species of cherries exist, but two popular cultivars are wild or sweet cherry & sour cherry. All the cherries are tiny juicy & very tasty . We often come across this fruit in desserts ,cakes, ice creams & muffins . Cherries are chef’s favorite as they can be used in a variety of recipes making the dishes more attractive. Cherry extracts are often added to beverages & processed foods to impart flavor. Cherries are loaded with nutrients specially vitamin-C & beta carotene.
Importance of cherry in medical field : –
- It relives Arthritis pain because its powerful compounds anthocyanin & bioflavonoid slow down the enzymes cyclo-oxyygenare-1 &-2 thus relieving pain caused during arthritis . This also helps to dissolve the crystals of urate which can be formed around the joints &kidney in Gout.
- It has anticancer properties due to presence of falvonoids that imparts powerful anti oxidants that fight the free radicals in the body .Cyanidin is flavonoid that prevents cancer cells from growing out of control, they are rich in quercetin which is regarded as one of the most potent anticancer agent .
- Cherries contain melatonin a hormone that induces peaceful sleep. Cherries are excellent source of potassium which plays an important role in reducing the blood pressure by getting rid of excess sodium in the body .