In summer, cherries are in high season, crunchy, intense red in color and available in any market or fruit store. Not only are they delicious, but they add the advantages of local and seasonal fruits: you can consume them when they are found at its best moment of flavor and nutritional content.
But the undeniable appeal of cherries is sometimes clouded by the resurgence of a popular mythaccording to which you should be careful not to drink water after eating them, under threat of suffering a indigestion or something worse.
It’s not unusual that you’ve heard the warning from your grandparents, but does it make any sense?
Yeasts and bacteria on the peel
Nutrition experts have investigated the myth in detail and have explained its possible origin.
Part of the reason may be that in the past drinking water was not perfectly sanitized and the microorganisms it carried could interact with the yeasts and bacteria present on the skin of the cherries, giving rise to a fermentation that caused belly pain.
As drinking water today is of very good quality, the warning can be considered outdated. Yes indeed, Cherries must be washed thoroughly before consuming them to eliminate possible germs and traces of dirt.. And you can easily drink a glass of fresh water after eating.
Another possible explanation is that cherries are so addictive that some people may eat disproportionate amounts and if they then drink water, the gastric juices are diluted and digestion can be complicated. A reasonable amount of cherries is between 10 and 20.
Properties of cherries
The cherries They provide energy, thanks to their carbohydratesalong with vitamins and organic acids, such as ellagic, with anti-inflammatory properties.
His contribution stands out in potassium (210mg/100g), vitamin C (15mg/100g), beta carotene or provitamin A and vitamins B1 and B6.
The cherry is the food richest in melatonina hormone secreted at night that is involved in regulating sleep and body temperature.
Some experts consider melatonin to be the most effective against aging given its antioxidant power. Curiously, Cherry juice is 10 times richer in melatonin than the whole fruit.
A glass of juice provides, in addition to melatonin, 17 antioxidant substances, sugars, vitamins and minerals.
The red of cherries is responsible for some of its many healthy effects, since It is due to anthocyanins, flavonoids with high antioxidant power. which are found in cherries in greater proportion than in any other fruit.
Anthocyanins They protect the arteries from the accumulation of fats and prevent degenerative diseases and also cancerespecially the of colon.
But cherries enjoy prestige above all as purifying food, since it has been known for centuries that They help eliminate uric acid. Many studies confirm the effectiveness of cherry-based treatment in patients with inflamed and deformed joints due to excess uric acid.
For your rich in fiber and potassium (210 mg per 100 g) favor people with constipation or tendency to retain fluids.
These same diuretic and laxative virtues They also prevent the formation of stones renal and biliary, and justify their use in detoxifying and weight loss cures.
In the latter, to the purifying capacity of cherries are added their few calories (59 per 100 g) and also the satiating effect of fiber.
Cherries also provide iron (0.4 mg/100 g) and their sugar, levulose, converts them into suitable for diabetics.
Cherries are also attributed a analgesic effectalthough it seems that some people need to consume them regularly for weeks to notice it.
HOW TO ENJOY THEM
As it is a fruit of short season, which runs from May to Julyit is worth enjoying cherries without delay.
The sweetest ones can be eaten as fruit because They lose much of their flavor if cooked.
The neutral They are ideal for making cakes, mousses and sorbets.
And the most varieties acidiclike cherries, are the most suitable for preparing sauces and for the preparation of preserves and jams.
The cherry turns out especially tasty combined with chocolate.