Are Cherries Good For Acne?

Cherries are considered a "super food" by many health care professionals. Although research findings are mixed, according to "Healthy Foods: Fact Versus Fiction" by Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Mark A. Goldstein, cherries have been touted as natural remedies for pain, inflammation, sleep problems and help protect against cancer. Although cherries have not been directly linked with improved acne symptoms, they may provide benefits. Learning more about cherries and the link between diet and acne may guide you toward making wise dietary decisions.

Potential Benefits

Cherries contain rich amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, which boost your body's ability to ward off bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C also promotes proper wound healing and may help reduce inflammation -- the main characteristic of acne. Cherries also contain modest amounts of vitamin A, which has the same properties as common acne medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Like all fruits, unsweetened cherries are low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Lowering the glycemic impact of your diet also may help improve acne symptoms.

Potential Risks

Cherries are available in fresh, dried, canned, juice and candied forms. Although all of these forms provide nutrients, candied cherries and cherry juice are higher in sugar than fresh cherries. While one-half cup of fresh cherries contains 9 g of natural sugar, a similar sized serving of candied cherries contains 80.6 g of sugar, primarily in the form of added sweetener. A diet high in added sugars can offset your blood sugar, which has led to increased acne symptoms in some people, according to a "Skin Therapy Letter" published in 2010.

Guidelines

Simply adding cherries to an overall unhealthy diet may not go far toward improving your skin health. A common way to reduce the glycemic impact of your diet, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, involves cutting back on refined foods, such as white bread, enriched pasta and sweets, and eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. When you do eat high-glycemic foods, keep your portion sizes modest and pair them with protein or fiber-rich foods to prevent blood sugar imbalances. Additional rich sources of vitamin A include carrots, carrot juice, kale, spinach, cantaloupe and vegetable soup. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, such as salmon, halibut and mackerel, flaxseeds and walnuts, may help reduce inflammation.

Serving Suggestions

Dietitian Ellie Krieger recommends pairing cherries with quinoa, a protein-rich whole grain, walnuts and honey for a nutritious breakfast or adding chopped, dried cherries to curried chicken salad for added nutrients and flavor. For low-glycemic snacks, consume fresh or dried cherries on their own or added to natural trail mix or low-fat yogurt. Add frozen cherries to smoothies for enhanced flavor, nutrients and texture. Cherries also provide alternatives to greasy snack foods, such as potato chips and french fries, which may contribute to clogged pores and inflammation.