Registered Dietician, Shanthi Appelo of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan highlighted the health benefits and culinary uses of cherries this week in honor of National Cherry Month.
Beyond being a source of antioxidants, cherries provide specific health benefits ranging from improved sleep cycles to muscle recovery for athletes. Tart cherries specifically can help regulate sleep because they may increase melatonin levels.
Studies show both sweet and tart cherries can improve the quantity and quality of sleep. “If you have them a few days in a row, it could have effects within even three days,” Appelo said.
Appelo made 3 recipes that incorporated cherries including overnight oats, a cherry salad with goat cheese, and a cherry chocolate smoothie.