6 Benefits of Tart Cherries: Little Berries That Pack a Punch

No one can resist those cute little cherries bursting with a sweet and sour tang. Apart from their charming color, cherries are also very juicy and delicious.The two most common types of cherries are tart cherries and sweet cherries. Tart cherries are also known as sour cherries or dwarf cherries. The two may look similar but they are actually quite different. Cherries are known for their delightful appearance and taste. During monsoon, you'll find these bundles of sweet joy in abundance. You can whip them up in smoothies or shakes, bake those lovely cherry tarts or just bung them in salads. They are easily available and hugely versatile. Not only do cherries have a great taste, they are also rich with a number of vitamins and nutrients that makes them one of the healthiest summer and monsoon fruits. Let's look at the major differences between tart cherries and sweet cherries: 

• Availability: Tart cherries are usually found around the year in dried or frozen form whereas sweet cherries are usually available during mid-summers.
• Taste: Tart cherries have a sweet and sour flavour while they other ones are popular for their sweetness which may range from mild to intense.
• Variety & Colour: Tart cherries are bold red while sweet cherries are deep red or even blackish.

According to Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Dutta, "Tart cherries are great superfoods for the heart as they contain a good amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants that come from their bright red colour."  Here are seven amazing health benefits of tart cherries.

Here are some amazing benefits that are associated with drinking tart cherry juice. Have a look. 

1. Cancer ProtectionThere are various harmful substances in the air, water or the food we eat which may damage our body cells leading to cancer. Tart cherries are full of three disease-fighting chemicals - perillyl alcohol, limonene and ellagic acid which help in inhibiting cell transformation that may lead to inflammation and cancer.2. Fight Heart DiseasesTart cherry juice contains powerful antioxidants which includes quercetin. Quercetin helpsin the reduction of blood pressure and prevents oxidative damage.  According to Dr. Rupali Dutta, "Tart cherries give you a considerable amount of your daily antioxidant requirement, which helps in fighting heart disease. They can be taken in fresh fruit form or in juice form as well. However, the maximum benefit for heart patients would be by consuming the fresh fruit."(Also read: 8 Indian Wonder Berries and Their Health Benefits You Don't Want to Miss!)
 3. Protection against Muscle DamageTart cherry juice is known for preventing the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. A glass full of tart cherry juice taken twice daily proves to be beneficial for reducing muscle pain. Make sure to add this juice to your daily diet. But, remember that moderation is the key.
 4. Treats InsomniaTart cherries help in treating sleeping disorders. Drink a glass of tart cherry in the morning and in the evening and you'll be able to sleep well. Cherries contain a hormone called melatonin which facilitates good, peaceful sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is known to regulate your sleep and wake cycles and control the internal body clock.(Also Read: 8 Hidden Health Benefits of Cherries for Weight Loss, Heart Health & Good Sleep)5. Prevents GoutGout is a type of arthritis that causes repeated attacks of intense pain and swelling. Drink tart cherry juice diluted with water to prevent the risk of gout. Tart cherry lowers the levels of uric acid in the body - the chemical which is responsible for causing gout.
 6.  Helps With Weight LossTart cherries help in increasing your metabolism which further helps in burning calories and preventing the storage of fat around your belly. If you are planning to shed some weight, don't forget to add cherries to your diet. Cherries are low in calories that means that around a cup of cherries would be less than 100 calories (according to the USDA).
 Enjoy this delicious fruit in its fresh form as long as its short season lasts.