When we talk about healthy diets, we often hear about having the right mix of:
- Macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) and
- Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)
But, did you know that a healthy diet is more than just these nutrients?
Yes. Our nutritional status, and consequently our health, are not just defined by our macro and micronutrient intake.
For example, polyphenols and indoles act as antioxidants in the body but are considered as non-nutritive components. However, they provide beneficial compounds to the human body that are particularly helpful in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases.
Anthocyanins are antioxidants that give sweet cherries their deep, vibrant color. Numerous scientific studies have shown that anthocyanins in sweet cherries:
- Have antihypertensive effects which helps reduce the risk for heart diseases
- Exert neuroprotection which help prevent visual impairment and cognitive decline especially as we get older
Aside from anthocyanins, sweet cherries also contain polyphenols such as flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids which have been shown to:
- Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
- Diminish hyperglycemia (beneficial for those who are at risk for diabetes)
- Alleviate gout symptoms
So, whenever I create healthy meal plans, I do not only consider the calories and macronutrients in picking which foods to include. I often add colorful and flavorful fruits such as sweet cherries to meal plans to make sure that my clients and my family get enough fiber, vitamins and minerals as well as bioactive compounds on a regular basis.
Research is ongoing, but the library of work exploring the health benefits associated with eating sweet cherries already offers a multitude of health benefits.
Super sweet Northwest Cherries are not available year-round though, but they are currently offered by online fruit sellers and supermarkets. So, don’t hesitate to add sweet cherries to your grocery list or online cart today, OK?
The good things is that you can also order your cherry boxes and support a cause at the same time! With Cherries For Charity, $1 worth of Northwest Cherries will be donated to our local medical front liners for every box purchased.
Click here to order: https://bit.ly/3wRaupr.
Thinking of a healthy and Pinoy-friendly merienda?
Here’s a sweet-savory cherry recipe idea I’d love for you to try. This is inspired by the Grab-and-Go Asian Style Cherry Buns from the Northwest Cherry Growers website. I substituted some of the ingredients like chicken instead of turkey and calamansi in place of lemon juice.
Asian-Style Cherry Buns
10 Servings
Ingredients
1 (8 oz.) package hot roll mix
120 grams ground chicken
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped Northwest fresh sweet cherries
1/4 cup chopped Kastanyas
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt, ground ginger and cornstarch
1 tablespoon honey
1 pc Calamansi juice
Directions:
- Prepare hot roll dough according to package directions.
- Stir-fry chicken and onion in oil until chicken is browned and onion softened.
- Stir in cherries, kastanyas, soy sauce, sugar, garlic salt, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Cut dough into 10 pieces. Flatten into 4-inch rounds.
- Place 1 tablespoon filling in center of each; gather edges and seal. Place sealed-side down on greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 170°C for 12 – 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Combine honey and calamansi juice; brush on hot rolls.
This post is sponsored by Northwest Cherries Philippines. All opinions are mine and references are indicated below.
For more cherry recipes, information about Sweet Cherries and references to health benefits mentioned, please check these out:
Sweet cherry health benefits: https://sweetcherryhealth.org/
Cherry recipes: https://www.nwcherries.com/cherry-recipes