Cherry juice is obtained from the fruit of the tree of the same name (lat.: Prunus Cerasus), originally from Southeast Asia and Europe. Like the fruit itself, its juice has numerous health benefits.
The only thing to be cared for is with the high percentage of added sugar when juice is purchased in the store. Unfortunately, drinks containing high amounts of sugar are sold more frequently in groceries. The risks of consuming them due to excessive carbohydrates intake overcome positive effects. It is best to prepare a healthy drink at home or buy a product that does not contain any sugar.
Let us know the medicinal fruit more closely, consider the ways to prepare cherry juice, useful properties and the contraindications of the drink.
Chemical composition and calories of cherry juice
Cherry juice contains a series of vital nutrients. 1 glass (240 ml) of the drink contains only 119 kcal and the following nutrients
- Carbohydrates 28 г;
- Fiber: 5 gr;
- Proteins: 2 gr;
- Fats: 1 g;
- Vitamin A: 62% of the recommended daily dose (CDR)
- Vitamin C: 40% of the DDR
- Manganese: 14% of the DDA
- Potassium: 12% das;
- copper: 12% das;
- Vitamin K: 7% Dop.
Cherry juice, whose benefits (and losses) are not questioned by the commented composition, also contains small amounts of the following components:
- Group B vitamins
- calcium
- iron
- magnesium;
- Omega 3;
- Omega-6;
- a series of antioxidant and phytosanitary benefits.
Distinguishing cherries from icing is quite easy. They differ in flavor (acid cherries, sweet cherries) and color. A mature cherry is dark red or burgundy, while a mature cherry is intense red and can be yellow.
Properties
Cherry juice is the one that contains the most B and C. But this drink is also a source of minerals, trace elements that the organism cannot produce for itself.
Its high iodine content is good for people with thyroid disorders and back pain. The large amounts of calcium are essential for the health of bones, teeth and normal operation of the nervous system. A high percentage of iron is important for the formation of red blood cells. Iron also helps in case of heart disease, kidney diseases and fatigue.
Potassium controls muscle function, body fluid content and helps reduce blood pressure and allergy symptoms. Manganese regulates blood sugar. This substance also reduces cholesterol levels, protects against Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, favors the formation of bones and cartilage.
Zinc, contained in cherry juice, protects the liver, neutralizes the harmful effects of alcohol and calm the nerves. Boron and phosphorus are substances necessary for the general functioning of the organism.
Benefits
Once again, a brief summary of the benefits of this health drink:
- Therapeutic support and effects on the joints.
- Performance improvement.
- Support for a healthy cardiovascular system.
- Support to the immune system.
- Improvement of brain function, healthy sleep (due to the presence of melatonin in the composition).
- Provide rapid muscle recovery after intense sports training.
Damage and possible contraindications.
The consumption of cherry juice in most people does not cause any problem. It has no contraindications. However, by containing a large amount of sorbitol (a type of sugary alcohol), its excessive amount in the diet can cause digestive problems (diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain).
Cherry juice also contains Quercetin. It is a plant component that is not harmful, but can affect the effect of some medications, especially anticoagulants. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before consuming it to avoid damage.
Particularities of use
Do you know what happens if you consume at least ½ cup of cherry juice a day? Taking this drink every day for 12 weeks has a miraculous effect on the body, demonstrated even by science.
In popular medicine
PANACEA – This is how cherry juice can be characterized. It affects the body in several ways, providing many positive substances. For example, helps with fever (the low), protects the heart and favors brain activity.
The drink is also excellent for relieving the signs of the gout, the increase and decrease in thyroid activity. The following important properties are the prevention and treatment of the bleeding of gums, effective against any inflammation of the organism.
Cherry juice favors digestion, ideal for people who have emptying problems. In addition, cherries also have a diuretic effect, so consumption is recommended not only as part of a thinning diet, but also for people who suffer from fluid retention in the body.
For diabetes
Recent studies show that the consumption of cherry juice has a beneficial effect on the treatment of diabetes. This property is due to the presence in it of the anthocyanine dye, which favors insulin production.
In the treatment of joints
Joint diseases, in particular arthritis, are usually caused by the accumulation and crystallization of uric acid in the joints, which causes strong pain. People with high levels of uric acid in the blood are at risk of suffering a drop attack. It is cherry juice that is recommended to relieve the pain of arthritis. Their effect on the joints is provided by anthocyanin compounds, which help decompose the crystals that are formed in the joints, causing pain. The consumption of 1-2 daily glasses for 2 weeks can prevent gout attacks by reducing uric acid levels.
In cosmetology
The high water content of cherries hydrates the entire organism, which translates into clear and vibrant skin. Water plays an important role in the elimination of toxins, facilitating the flow without nutrient obstacles to skin cells. When they are well hydrated, cutaneous cells “fill”, which makes the skin firm and healthier.
Regular cherry juice consumption protects the skin against damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. Anthocyanins provide protection against skin cancer thanks to their ant i-cancer properties. The drink also contains bet a-carotene, which is good for skin health.
Capillary masks
As this fruit is a rich manganese source, the best way to improve hair quality is to consume it internally. If fresh cherries are not available, dry berries can be used. They are also excellent as homemade hair masks. A classic option is to mix them with olive oil. This combination helps recover lost brightness and thickness.
Facial masks
The most effective use of cherry juice for the face is in the form of applied mask in the desired area. Grated berries or pure juice can be used. I massen it well on the skin and let it act for 15 minutes. It is not necessary to clarify. With the prolonged use of such a mask, the skin will be healthier and recover its elasticity.
A mixture of cherries, yogurt and a few drops of oil will be a good mask. If you worry the fat, itch a small potato, squeeze all the juice and mix it with the grated berries. This mask is excellent for cleaning pores.
Cherries, ingested as food, will act as antioxidant, will eliminate toxins, will provide internal nutrition. The recommended amount is at least 100 g of berries a day.
How to use
To obtain the maximum benefit of cherry juice consumption, the dose used in clinical studies should be followed. In most studies, participants drank 240 ml (approximately 1 cup) of cherry juice per day, which is equivalent to consuming about 200 raw berries per day.
Cherry extract supplements are a definitive alternative. The normally recommended dose is 480 mg of dust per day. The concrete benefit of “treatment” with cherries will be visible after 7-10 days of consumption.
In pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cherry juice is recommended to pregnant women and breastfeeding for the following reasons:
- The zinc, which is in cherries, contributes to the good development of pregnancy.
- Manganese is important for infant women because it contributes to breast milk production.
To lose weight.
Cherries neutralize fats, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. Due to this property, it favors weight loss in the body. In addition, this berry helps eliminate harmful substances from the body, so it is also suitable for purifying treatments.
For some ailments
This beneficial drink not only prevents diseases, but also helps in the treatment of several ailments.
Inflammations
Inflammation is caused by free radicals that damage cells and negatively affect the natural response of the immune system. This factor is considered one of the main causes of heart disease. The anthocyanin compounds that give the berries their acid taste are able to combat free radicals found in various parts of the body, thus suppressing inflammation.
Insomnia
Cherries contain significant amounts of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant produced by the epiphysis of the brain that helps regulate the natural patterns of sleep. Since the berry contains more melatonin than normally produced in the body, it is effective in combating insomnia and depression. Consuming a concentrated drink one hour before bedtime helps to calm the mind and favor a healthy and repairing dream.
Heart diseases
This tasty berry is good for the heart because it protects against arterial giving. Melatonin present in it reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease by decreasing blood lipid levels. Anthocyanin compounds also act as protective agents to prevent and treat heart disease.
Cavities
Plate and tooth decay are caused by inadequate oral hygiene. The compounds present in the berry block the plate formation, which often leads to tooth decay. Therefore, adding a drink made with this fruit can reduce the probability of suffering from decay.
Including cherries in the diet reduces the probability of various types of cancer. It contains several antioxidants that prevent the formation of cancer cells. Homemade juice is 100% without sugar, so it is as useful as fresh fruit.
Anemia
Anemia is the most common blood disorder mainly caused by the lack of iron. Cherry juice is a rich iron source, so its regular consumption will help deal with anemia.
Oxidative stress
The free radicals mentioned above deprive the DNA of their electrons if they are not controlled. This process is known as oxidation, which affects the body’s defenses. Cherry antioxidants reduce oxidative stress neutralizing free radicals.
How to prepare cherry juice
Useful drink is not only used in cosmetology, popular medicine. It is a good culinary component, suitable for jellying, mousses, other desserts, sauces.
It is easy to prepare at home. The recipe is simple – you just have to put 2 handles of berries in a blender, pour 200 ml of water, and get a healthy and refreshing drink.
Variation 2 – Vitamin Ob
- 1 apple
- ½ cucumber
- 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon of cherries;
- 200 ml of water.
Prepare the “juice” shake:
- Pour the apple, cucumber and orange in a blender.
- Add cherries, water and crush.
Regardless of the preparation method, save the juice in the refrigerator and consume it within 3 days.
Conclusion
Cherry juice is a rich source of nutrients that have a significant impact on human health. Its benefits will be more appreciated by people who suffer from insomnia, athletes (due to accelerated regeneration, relief of muscle pain, swelling after physical effort). When buying the drink in a store, give preference to an added suga r-free product.
