Cherries are a good fruit to include in a well-balanced diet. They are low in calories and fat, but they are a good source of several different nutrients including minerals and vitamins like vitamin K. For individuals with a sweet tooth, cherries are a particularly good snack, as they are naturally sweet, making them an excellent alternative to candies or cookies.
Cherries
Cherries are a primarily red berry and the fruit of the cherry tree. They contain a pit or seed in the center. According to the California Cherry Advisory Board, cherries originated in the area now known as Turkey. They are grown in orchards throughout the United States, particularly in California and along the West Coast. The most common cherries sold in the United States are sweet cherries, one variety of which is named Bing cherries.
Vitamin K
Your body uses vitamin K primarily in the process of coagulation, or the formation of blood clots. This vitamin is also essential for bone mineralization and cell growth. Your intestines make vitamin K, providing your body with just under half of what it needs. The rest you get through your diet from foods like green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils. Vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults, since its sources are common in most diets.
Content
A 1-cup serving of sweet cherries, without pits, contains about 3.2 micrograms of vitamin K. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has established an adequate intake of 120 micrograms a day for adult males and 90 micrograms for adult females. This means that 1 cup of cherries contains just 3 percent of your daily recommended intake. If you are having difficulty including sufficient vitamin K in your diet, increase your intake of green vegetables, which are rich sources of vitamin K.
Other Nutrients
Cherries are rich in other nutrients. One cup of cherries contains several important antioxidants, including the vitamins C and A, and beta-carotene. These nutrients help protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which may help boost your immune system. Cherries are also a good source of several minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Cherries are healthy sources of these nutrients since they are also low in fat and contain no cholesterol.
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