The island’s rich, warm climate makes it quite ideal for a variety of tasty and mouth-watering fruits to grow. Although many of these delectables that we have come to know and love did not originate in Jamaica, they can be found across the island.

And, while delicious and/or sweet, these fruits provide some great health benefits. In another edition of Our Today‘s fruit feature series, we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits can provide, and this time around, the spotlight is on the cherry.

Said to have originated in Asia Minor, a large peninsula in Western Asia, cherries today are grown in countries such as the US, Germany, Spain and Romania.

Helps with Insomnia

Cherries contain a hormone known as melatonin. Produced by the brain’s pineal gland at night, this hormone has long since been associated with sleep and wake cycle control.

For those suffering from a lack of sleep, having a few cherries may help you get the good night’s rest you need.

Lowers Hypertension

Potassium found in cherries can help lower one’s pressure. Intake of potassium relaxes the walls of blood vessels which in turn lowers pressure. In addition to this, potassium intake can protect one against muscle cramping.

Supports pH Balance

An alkaline-forming fruit, eating cherries is very useful when the body has an increase in acidic content. Cherry intake neutralises pH levels and is also able to prevent some stomach problems.

May prevent cancer

Like many fruits, the cherry is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants, said to be found in the tart cherry juice, can help to reverse the effects of genes involved in cancer growth.

Improves digestive health

Chocked full of fibre, cherries can increase the weight and size of your stool and soften it. Easier to pass, a bulky stool decreases the chances of constipation.

Playing a major role in digestive health, fibre can also help relieve the symptoms of some types of irritable bowel syndrome.

Reduces Inflammation

This fruit has the ability to lower nitrous oxide concentrations and pro-inflammatory factors.

Eating cherries was found to decrease plasma concentrations of eight biomarkers associated with inflammatory diseases.