Cherries: Best Fruit for Women
In late spring and early summer, plump, red cherries become widely available. Not only visually appealing, cherries offer significant beauty and preventive benefits for women.
Cherries have long been known as the “beauty fruit.” Ancient Chinese medical texts describe them as capable of “moisturizing the skin” and “improving complexion and appearance,” making skin smoother and more radiant with regular consumption. This is primarily due to their exceptionally high iron content—per 100 grams, cherries contain six times more iron than strawberries, ten times more than jujubes, thirteen times more than hawthorns, and twenty times more than apples, ranking first among all fruits.
Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis. For women, this is particularly important. According to WHO surveys, approximately 50% of girls, 20% of adult women, and 40% of pregnant women suffer from iron-deficiency anemia. This is largely due to physiological factors: adolescent girls grow rapidly, increasing their iron needs, compounded by menstrual blood loss, making them prone to iron deficiency. Pregnant and lactating women require higher iron levels to nourish fetuses or infants. Elderly women often suffer from reduced gastrointestinal absorption and weakened hematopoietic function, contributing to anemia. Additionally, many women dislike eating meat, leading to nutritional imbalance and further increasing the risk of iron deficiency. Thus, eating more cherries can alleviate anemia and treat related gynecological conditions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cherries hold great medicinal value. Every part of the cherry can be used medicinally. Fresh cherries have diaphoretic, qi-tonifying, wind-dispelling, and rash-penetrating effects, suitable for dietary therapy of limb numbness and rheumatic lower back pain.
When buying cherries, choose those with intact stems, bright color, and plump skin. If not consumed immediately, store them at -1°C in the refrigerator. As berries, cherries are delicate and should be handled gently. Also, though beneficial, avoid overeating. Besides high iron content, cherries also contain cyanogenic glycosides. Excessive intake may lead to iron or cyanide poisoning. If discomfort occurs after eating too many cherries, drink sugarcane juice to clear heat and detoxify. Additionally, cherries are warm in nature; those with heat-related illnesses or yin deficiency cough should avoid them.