They are bright red, sweet and juicy. They taste simply delicious. But did you know that cherries also contain very specific valuable natural substances for strengthening our health? We can also talk about them as a natural medicine from a tree. Already in ancient times, the Greek physician Hippocrates planted cherries on the island of Kos as a medicine: at that time against epilepsy.
Already in 1920 in Germany, France and England, doctors prescribed cherries for the treatment of kidney stones and gallbladder diseases. Today, cherries are highly valued by doctors as a natural remedy for various health problems in everyday life. Cherries provide the body with enough fiber, which swells in the intestines and thus regulates digestion. In case of constipation, it is advisable to eat a handful of cherries daily at the time of harvest.
Doctors from the American dental center "Forsythe Dental Center" discovered antibacterial substances and enzymes in cherries against tooth decay and periodontal disease. These enzymes prevent the formation of dental plaque, which, due to insufficient dental hygiene, triggers the formation of tooth decay and gum problems. To prevent these diseases in the oral cavity, it is enough to eat 10-15 cherries after each meal at the time of harvest
In 1950 in Texas, the doctor Dr. Ludwig Blau, originally from Germany, conducted a very interesting experiment on himself. He suffered from severe gout accompanied by tremendous pain. None of the well-known therapists could help him. That's why he decided on cherries. In the summer, he began to consume large doses of cherries. And lo and behold: the pain was significantly reduced. Then Dr. Blau began studies with patients suffering from gout. Result: 1500 g of fresh cherries per day at the time of harvest has a positive effect on gout pain. Meanwhile, other doctors have also shown that eating cherries can significantly reduce rheumatic complaints. Explanation: the substances contained in cherries, especially the trace element molybdenum, significantly reduce the level of uric acid.
Cherries are rich in vitamins C, E and the B vitamins. Therefore, they protect the body from colds in the summer months and have a calming effect on the nerves. Cherries also serve as a source of folic acid vitamin B9. This vitamin is particularly important for pregnant women and is essential for cell division and blood formation. It also contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system, reducing exhaustion and fatigue. With their protective acids and fructose, a fruit sugar, cherries stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, especially the pancreas. Because cherries also have a drainage effect, they strengthen the heart and blood circulation and support liver and kidney function. Cherries contain a number of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and iron.
The red pigments in cherries have special effects: anthocyanins and anthocyanidins. They build connective tissue, destroy harmful enzymes that cause aging, dying of our skin and wrinkles. Therefore, cherries also have a rejuvenating effect. In addition, they neutralize aggressive molecules from the environment, so-called free radicals that attack our cells and reduce immunity.
Interestingly, darker cherry varieties are more valuable because all their active ingredients, especially the coloring agents, are present in higher concentrations than in lighter varieties.
When picking cherries, we should not forget that these sweet fruits help our health. Whether from the store, from our own cherry tree - or even from the neighboring garden, which taste especially sweet.
