![]() Michigan is the largest producing region in the world for Montmorency tart cherries. What sets tart cherries apart from other types of cherries is their distinct tart flavor and nutritional profile. The majority of tart cherry production happens in Michigan, which harvested an astonishing 201 million pounds of tart cherries in 2018. Tart cherries, also known as Montmorency cherries, are a type of cherry predominantly grown in the US and Europe. Perhaps the most notable benefit of tart cherry juice is its natural source of melatonin - a hormone that helps control our sleep-wake cycle. It has been found to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve heart health, boost immunity, and even fight chronic disease. ![]() ![]() Here are some of my favorite healthy cherry recipes to try.įresh Cherry Sauce by The Brewer & The BakerĬherry Almond Smoothie by Hungry Girl For VidaĬherry Chocolate Hazelnut Muffins by Hip Foodie MomĬherry Pomegranate Limeade Popsicles by Chef Savvyĭo your kids eat cherries? How do you serve them? Let me know in the comments.Tart cherry juice is one of nature's most powerful superfoods, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Melatonin, known as the sleep hormone, regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycles. That’s because cherries are the only natural source of melatonin, Rania Batayneh, MPH, a nutritionist and best-selling author said in this article. In fact, a December 2012 study in the European Journal of Nutrition suggests consuming tart cherry juice can improve the duration and quality of sleep. Instead of turning to a melatonin supplement, which experts say is a concern for kids, eating a handful of cherries may help. If you have little ones, bedtime is one of the most dreaded times of the day to begin with.īut older children may get less sleep than they need because of electronics use, evening activities, homework, and a lack of sleep rules such as a sticking with a consistent bedtime, for example. In fact, a small June 2019 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found consuming the juice of Montmorency cherries reduced insulin levels and blood pressure.Īlthough heart disease isn’t something to be concerned about when your child is young, what they eat today can set the stage for their diet-and their health-well into the future. ![]() Heart-healthyĪlthough the research is still unclear, some studies suggest drinking tart cherry juice or consuming cherries may lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure-all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. May prevent type-2 diabetesĬherries have a low glycemic load so they don’t spike blood sugar and insulin levels, which may prevent type-2 diabetes, a condition that’s on the rise among kids. With more than 3 grams of fiber in one cup, cherries will help kids get the fiber they need. In fact, a January 2019 review in The Lancet found compared to people who ate less fiber, those who ate more fiber had a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer and a risk of dying early from any cause, by 15 to 30 percent. Studies also show eating plenty of fiber lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Since most kids don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, they’re falling short on fiber which is necessary to satiate hunger, keep blood sugar levels steady and prevent constipation. Studies in mice suggest consuming cherries also supports brain health, improves memory, and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin C in particular, is important for skin, bones and connective tissue, promotes healing, helps the body to absorb iron and helps in the formation of neurotransmitters, or the body’s chemical messengers.Ĭherries are also rich in anthocyanin, an antioxidant that provides their rich red pigment.Īnthocyanin is also known to support cognitive and motor function and improve visual and neurological health. Rich in antioxidantsĬherries are high in polyphenols and vitamin C, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Read on to discover 5 reasons why cherries are healthy for kids, plus some healthy and delicious recipes. Since they have a tough texture, it may also be a good idea to puree them if you’re serving them to an infant. It goes without saying however, that if you have little ones, be sure to pit the cherries to prevent choking. Not only do kids love to eat bite-sized foods, but they also get to be in control and feel empowered to choose how much they want to eat, which may encourage them to make healthy choices at other times of the day too. ![]() Whether you add them to a lunch box, serve them as a snack or dish them up as an after-dinner treat, chances are, they’ll be a hit with your kids. households: people consume more than 2 pounds of cherries each year. Cherries are one of the most healthy and delicious fruits during the spring and summer months and a favorite in U.S. ![]()
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