AUTHOR
NICOLE
MARIE Nicole Marie is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and gluten-free recipe developer who helps individuals with coeliac disease to spend less time worrying , and more time enjoying delicious food . Connect with Nicole via Instagram :
@ glutenfreekitchen __ or head to
www . gfkitchen . com . au
IN-SEASON SPOTLIGHT :
CHERRIES
Everything you wanted to know about this seasonal stone fruit from dietitian Nicole Marie .
It ’ s summer and cherries are finally here ! Cherry picking season runs from late November to mid-January . Heading to one of Victoria ’ s picturesque cherry orchards with your family and friends makes for a fabulous summer day trip . Most of us consider cherries delicious and somewhat of a summer treat . But how do they stack up nutritionally ?
Antioxidants
Cherries are high in antioxidants and are well known for a particular antioxidant called anthocyanin , which is responsible for their stunning red colour . The main role of antioxidants is to defend your body ’ s cells from damage . Did you know that cherries may benefit brain health ? Research has shown that the anthocyanin family may help to reduce plaque build-up within the brain , and trials have found that older adults who drink tart cherry juice improved their memory and cognition .
Potassium
Cherries are a rich source of potassium , a mineral necessary for maintaining healthy blood pressure , heart , muscles and nerves . Higher potassium intake from fruits and vegetables may lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke .
Fibre
Just one cup of pitted cherries provides 10-15 % of our recommended daily fibre intake . This can help not only with keeping bowels regular , but with keeping our good gut bugs happily fed , and maintaining a healthy gut barrier . Fibre is also useful for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol . Another bonus that cherries deliver is sorbitol - a natural sugar that has a mild laxation effect for regular , soft stools .
Vitamin C
Lastly , one serve of cherries provides around 40 % of our daily vitamin C needs . Vitamin C is important for healthy connective tissue ( eg . skin , gums , cartilage ) and acts as a powerful antioxidant that can fight chronic disease risk . Vitamin C also helps us absorb iron from the foods we eat , which can be particularly important for women of childbearing years .
Now you know all about cherry nutrition facts , let ’ s get into some delicious desserts that take advantage of our short , sweet cherry season .
CHERRIES ARE HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS AND ARE WELL KNOWN FOR A PARTICULAR ANTIOXIDANT CALLED ANTHOCYANIN , WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR STUNNING RED COLOUR .
10 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE