Cherry Nutrition Benefits

By Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D., "Choose Cherries," May/June 2012

Eating cherries may help you sleep better, lose weight and help prevent some diseases.

Balance your blood pressure.
Sweet cherries are loaded with potassium, a natural blood-pressure reducer. Potassium balances fluids in our bodies, essentially offsetting the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium. So it’s no wonder studies have found that people who eat more potassium-rich foods, like sweet cherries, tend to have less hypertension. One cup of these ruby gems packs roughly the same amount of potassium as a small banana and also boasts some quercetin, an antioxidant that may help keep blood vessels relaxed and supple.

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