16 Amazing Benefits of Choke cherry
Chokecherries are delicious fruit that has many health benefits. They contain high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and fluoride.
Chokecherries also help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, they may even help fight depression and boost brain function.
They are a great addition to any diet plan because they’re low in calories and fat, yet packed with nutrients. They’re also very versatile, making them perfect for snacking, baking, cooking, juicing, and more.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 16 health benefits of chokecherries. Check it out below!
1) Boosts Brain Function:
Chokecherries have been shown to improve memory and focus, especially when combined with other foods rich in vitamin B6.
2) Helps Prevent Cancer:
Studies show that eating chokecherries can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancers.
For example, one study found that women who ate three or more servings of chokecherries per week had a 40 percent lower chance of developing breast cancer than those who never ate chokecherries.
Other studies suggest that chokecherry consumption may be linked to reduced prostate cancer risk.
[irp]
3) May Help Fight Depression:
Chokecherry juice is said to increase serotonin production, which helps lift moods.
It’s also been suggested that chokecherries could help alleviate symptoms associated with the seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression caused by lack of sunlight during winter months.
4) Promotes Healthy Weight Loss:
One study showed that people who drank chokecherry juice lost weight faster than those who didn’t drink it. The researchers believe this was due to an increased metabolism caused by the antioxidant properties of the fruit.
5) Reduces Blood Pressure:
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that chokecherries might help regulate blood pressure.
Researchers gave rats chokecherry extracts and compared their results to control groups given either no extract or grape seed oil.
After six weeks, the rats treated with chokecherry extract were less likely to develop hypertension and had smaller arteries than the others.
6) Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease:
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that men who eat chokecherries regularly have lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of coronary artery disease. Another study from Japan reports similar findings.
[irp]
7) Protects Against Diabetes:
Diabetes patients who consumed chokecherries experienced improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This means that the body uses insulin effectively and doesn’t produce too much of it.
8) Prevents Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay isn’t just bad for teeth — it can lead to serious health problems like gum infections and jawbone loss. Studies show that eating chokecherry powder can significantly reduce tooth decay.
9) Fights Inflammation:
Inflammation is the immune system’s way of protecting against infection. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even some forms of cancer. Research suggests that chokecherries contain compounds that can fight chronic inflammation.
10) Improves Digestion:
The high fiber content of chokecherries makes them great for digestive health. One study found that people who ate chokecherries daily reported fewer gastrointestinal issues than those who didn’t eat the fruits.
[irp]
11) Boosts Bone Density:
Chokecherries are rich in calcium, which is important for bone density. A study conducted at Tufts University School of Medicine found that postmenopausal women who ate two cups of chokecherries each day had higher bone mineral density than those who didn’t.
12) Helps Prevent Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is another condition related to poor digestion. In one study, mice fed chokecherries developed stronger bones than other mice. Scientists believe the antioxidants in chokecherries may protect against osteoporosis.
13) Treats Arthritis:
Arthritis sufferers have long used turmeric as part of their treatment regimen. It seems that chokecherries work similarly to turmeric. According to a study published in Antioxidants & Anti-inflammatory Drugs, arthritis patients who took chokecherries experienced reduced joint pain after three months.
14) Promotes Healthy Skin:
Chokecherry juice was recently shown to be effective in treating acne. The fruit contains an antioxidant called ellagic acid, which helps prevent skin damage caused by free radicals.
15) Strengthens Immune System:
Immunity plays a key role in our overall health. Eating chokecherries may help strengthen your immune system so you’re less likely to get sick.
16) Treat Cognitive Disorders
Chokecherry extract has been shown to increase neural pathway activity and reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Studies show that the anthocyanin compounds found in chokecherries can help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline associated with aging.
[irp]
Special Precautions and Warnings
Chokecherries are safe when taken orally. There have been reports of mild side effects like constipation or diarrhea. However, these are very uncommon.
People who are allergic to ragweed may also experience symptoms after consuming chokecherries.
Pregnant women should not consume chokecherries because there isn’t enough reliable information about their safety during pregnancy.
if you are on any medications like blood pressure medication or diabetic medication, consult your doctor before making chokecherries a part of the diet.
