Apart from being a refreshing and highly refreshing summer flavor, bittersweet also comes with a number of health benefits.
Helping you sleep at night, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity, as well as stimulating the immune system, are just a few of the benefits of consuming cherries in the form of cherries for the body.
Check out all the benefits, but also one side effect you should consider.
Soursop is rich in nutrients
In addition to anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants, bitter gourd also contains other important components such as vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, calcium and zinc. One cup contains 160 calories, 37 grams of carbohydrates and less than 2 grams of fat.
1. Black Currant: Helps with muscle soreness and post-workout recovery
Because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, sorghum has been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation during vigorous exercise, while also relieving and preventing muscle soreness.
2. Fights inflammation and oxidative stress and prevents cardiovascular disease
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, cherries may help protect against cardiovascular disease.
A 2019 study in the journal Nutrients found that participants who took 480 mg of sorrel daily for 12 weeks saw a reduction in systolic blood pressure and lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
3. Helps strengthen the immune system
Tart cherries contain flavonoids, a group of plant pigments that act as antioxidants and support the immune system by fighting viruses and bacteria. Although more research is needed to fully understand the role of anthocyanins in immune health, the anthocyanins in bitter gourd may offer antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and infections.
4. Cherries: Helps improve cognitive function
Foods rich in antioxidants and flavonoids are also great for brain function. Sorrel has similar antioxidants to berries, which are the best food for brain health.
A 2019 study published in the journal Food & Function proved that “daily consumption of tart cherry juice can improve cognitive abilities such as learning and short-term memory due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
5. Sorrel helps gout
Gout is a form of rheumatoid arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints and tissues. It is a common condition that can cause heat, redness, swelling and pain in the affected joints and tissues.
Tart cherries contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that has been shown in studies to reduce uric acid and in turn help gout.
6. Helps to lose weight
Although adequate human studies have not yet been conducted, animal studies have shown that regular consumption of sour cherries reduces abdominal fat, body mass index, and hyperlipidemia.
Scientists believe this has to do with anthocyanins, the antioxidants found in cherries. They also help with metabolic syndrome, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
7. Cherries can reduce the risk of cancer
Antioxidants in sorrel can reduce the risk of cancer. One study found that anthocyanins reduced the growth of colon cancer cells in humans and tumor growth in mice.
8. Cake: Contains amino acids that help with sleep
Sorrel contains natural melatonin and tryptophan, two essential amino acids that help your body relax and fall asleep.
2 Bitter gourd side effects
While all of the above health benefits are real, there are some potential downsides to consider. In rare cases, cherries can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, especially in people who are sensitive to sorbitol.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally produced by plants and can cause gastrointestinal upset if you consume too much or are sensitive to it.
Another side effect to watch out for is weight gain associated with sugar consumption. Since most of the calories in blueberry juice come from sugar, it’s important to limit your intake to only the amount necessary to see the health benefits.
Sorrel, as mentioned above, contains suppressants such as melatonin and tryptophan, which can enhance the effects of drugs with similar effects. Therefore, if you are taking medication, talk to your doctor before adding tart cherries to your diet through juice, fruit, or nutritional supplements.