Below are some of the rainier cherry benefits that you can reap by consuming the cherry in the ways mentioned in this article. Go through the article to know more.
What are Rainier Cherries?
A Rainier cherry is a hybrid variety of cherry that Harold Fogle developed in 1952 in Washington state university. He crossed the Bing and Van red cherry varieties to produce the Rainier cherry. The fruit takes its name from the Washington’s largest mountain, Mount Rainier. Rainier cherries are round or heart-shaped and yellow with a red blush on the outside and a golden yellow inside. They have thin, delicate outer skin and you have to handle it gently during their harvest time between June and August. They are big, juicy, and taste amazingly sweet.
Nutrition Profile
Nicknamed nature’s candy because of its incredible sweetness, you can eat rainier cherries fresh and add to sweet or savory dishes. A cup or approximately 21 rainier cherries provide 100 calories. Rainier cherries contain:
- Fiber
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Sugar
- Vitamins A and C
- Potassium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Copper
Rainier cherries contain bioactive compounds which are health-protective. There are many other rainier cherry benefits that you must know.
Rainier Cherry Health Benefits
1. Sleep Cycle
Rainier cherries contain a hormone the sleep promoting hormone knows an melatonin. It regulates your sleep-wake cycle, and controls your internal body clock. In such way, it helps in preventing or treating insomnia.
2. Antioxidants In Abundance
Antioxidants in rainier cherries have anti-inflammatory effects that help prevent the onset of chronic diseases like arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. They offer pain relief if you suffer from arthritis or gout. Besides, antioxidants help boost your immune system and delay the aging process.
3. Fiber Content
The fiber in rainier cherries helps prevent and treat constipation. It helps lower the amount of uric acid in your blood as well. These cherries have a mild laxative effect.
4. Prebiotic Benefits
It has prebiotic benefits and promotes good gut health. Furthermore, it helps lower blood sugar levels and aids in boosting insulin production in your body. It has a low glycaemic index but you must consume it in moderate amount if you suffer with diabetes.
5. Helps Avoid Diseases
Quercetin, the flavonoid present in these cherries, helps protect against cell damage due to free radicals and diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Moreover, it helps detoxify your body and helps improve athletic performance and reduces the muscle soreness associated with exercise.
6. Overall Body Health
It is low in calories and fat and high in fiber, which keeps you avoid overeating, thereby aiding weight loss. Potassium in Rainier cherries helps lower high blood pressure and maintains the fluid balance in your body. It helps regulate nerve impulses and prevents osteoporosis too.
7. Hair and Gums
Vitamins A and C promote hair and skin health. Vitamin C keeps your gums healthy and promotes tissue growth and repair.
How to Consume Rainier Cherries
You can enjoy the rainier cherries as raw or blend into a juice. You may even add it to smoothies, desserts, and ice creams. Alternatively, add them to salads, use as a topping on pancakes, or simmer into jams and jellies and preserve.
You can use them in baked goods like cakes, crumbles, cobblers, and tarts. Rainier cherries are a great accompaniment to chocolates, fruits, and certain cheeses too.
Health Advisory
Rainier cherries can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergy symptoms include hives, itching, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, digestive issues, low blood pressure, and even anaphylactic shock. They can cause loose stools. Therefore, always consume rainier cherries in moderation and before including it in your diet, rule out any possibility of an allergy.