How Cherries Support the Immune System

By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director

Not all carbs are created equal and not all carbs are evil like you may believe! Carbs from fruits are typically high in important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Cherries are one example of this. They are a nutritionally dense food with many nutrients including quercetin, fiber, vitamin C, and melatonin. Cherries have also been shown to improve the quantity and quality of sleep which is critical for a strong immune system. (1, 2)

We know that melatonin is one component of a good night’s sleep and cherries are naturally rich in melatonin. Additional research suggests that “consumption of a tart cherry juice concentrate provides an increase in exogenous melatonin that is beneficial in improving sleep duration and quality in healthy men and women and might be of benefit in managing disturbed sleep.” (3, 4)

Ready to take charge of your nutrition and add more cherries into your nutrition plan? Contact us for Nutrition Coaching so you can learn practical ways to support your immune system and stay on track with healthy habits!

P.S. Eat more chocolate-covered cherries for Valentine’s Day...the healthy ones of course!

Sources:

(1) doi: 10.1080/10408390903001719

(2) doi: 10.3390/nu10030368

(3) doi: 10.1111/jpi.12044

(4) doi: 10.1007/s00394-011-0263-7