Top 5 Benefits Of Surinam Cherries
Beth Opfer is a practicing, licensed registered dietitian nutritionist in Ohio and sees patients privately for nutrition counseling throughout Northern Ohio. She has 7 years of experience and is also a food blogger for the Cleveland area, working with several local eateries around the city.
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Also called Brazilian cherries, Surinam cherries have a sweet taste and are usually red. They are scientifically known as Eugenia uniflora and are replete with a host of essential nutrients that can do you a lot of good. Which is what we will look at in this post.
In This Article
What Are The Benefits Of Surinam Cherries?
1. Surinam Cherries Aid Diabetes Treatment
Some studies say that cherries, in particular, contain anthocyanins that can boost insulin levels. And this helps control blood sugar levels (1). Intake of anthocyanins had shown a 50% increase in insulin production, thereby helping patients deal with diabetes symptoms.
Another Brazilian study also talks about how the extracts of Surinam cherry can combat inflammation often associated with diabetes (2).
Did You Know?
The pleasant smell of Surinam cherry is often used in cosmetics and hair products – including shampoos, perfumes, soaps, and oils.
2. Help Fight Cancer
The antioxidants in the cherries fight free radicals, and this can play a role in cancer prevention. This can also be attributed to the other phenolic compounds. And since the cherries are also linked to reduced inflammation, they sure can play a role in cancer prevention (3).
3. Prevent Inflammation And Gout
We already saw how the presence of antioxidants helps the fruits fight inflammation. In fact, even the leaves play a role here. The juice of the leaves is extracted and often used in anti-inflammatory preparations.
The leaves also contain cineole (and so does the oil extracted from the fruits), which displays anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that these anti-inflammatory aspects of the fruit can be useful in treating lung inflammation as well. The cherries improve lung function and even help treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
These anti-inflammatory properties of Surinam cherries might also be effective in treating gout.
4. Boost Immune Function
The cherries are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for strong immunity. It boosts the defensive mechanisms of the body and protects you from diseases. The vitamin C in the cherries works by accelerating the production of antibodies and fighting the disease-causing microbes.
5. Improve Gastrointestinal Health
The astringent and antiseptic properties of Surinam cherries help you deal with gastrointestinal upsets. These include diarrhea and some forms of intestinal wounds. In fact, the bark of the plant has also been extensively used for improving gastrointestinal health.
That’s about the benefits of Surinam cherries. We spoke a bit about the nutrients these cherries contain. How about taking a look at the other essential compounds?
What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Surinam Cherries?
| Nutrition Facts Serving Size 173g | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amount Per Serving | ||
| Calories 57 | Calories from Fat 6 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 1g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0% | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 5mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 13g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protien 1g | ||
| Vitamin A | 52% | |
| Vitamin C | 76% | |
| Calcium | 2% | |
| Iron | 2% | |
| Calorie Information | ||
| Amounts Per Selected Serving | %DV | |
| Calories | 57.1(239 kJ) | 3% |
| From Carbohydrate | 46.7(196 kJ) | |
| From Fat | 5.8(24.3 kJ) | |
| From Protein | 4.7(19.7 kJ) | |
| From Alcohol | ~(0.0 kJ) | |
| Vitamins | ||
| Amounts Per Selected Serving | %DV | |
| Vitamin A | 2595IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C | 76% |
| Vitamin D | ~ | ~ |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | ~ | ~ |
| Vitamin K | ~ | ~ |
| Thiamin | 0.1mg | 3% |
| Riboflavin | Riboflavin | 4% |
| Niacin | 0.5mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B6 | ~ | ~ |
| Folate | ~ | ~ |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0mcg | 0% |
| Pantothenic Acid | ~ | ~ |
| Choline | ~ | |
| Betaine | ~ | |
| Minerals | ||
| Amounts Per Selected Serving | %DV | |
| Calcium | 15.6mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 20.8mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 19.0mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 178mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 5.2mg | 0% |
| Zinc | ~ | ~ |
| Copper | ~ | ~ |
| Manganese | ~ | ~ |
| Selenium | ~ | ~ |
| Fluoride | ~ | |
Those are the other essential nutrients Surinam cherries are rich in. Now that you know why the cherries do what they do, we are sure you want to know how to include them in your diet. Well, you can try out one recipe.
Did You Know?
The plant, when clipped and pruned, emits a strong smell that is often used in Brazil as an effective insect repellent.
Any Popular Surinam Cherry Recipe?
Surinam Cherry And Carambola Jam
What You Need
- 6 1-cup canning jars
- 5 carambolas
- 1 cup of chopped Surinam cherries (pitted)
- 6 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of liquid pectin
Directions
- Firstly, wash the carambolas. Then, remove the ends and the dark ridges. Chop them coarsely.
- Place the canning jars (along with their lids) in a large pot with simmering water. This will help sterilize them. You can remove the lids as soon as they are hot. Keep the jars in the hot water as long as needed.
- Now, combine the carambolas with the cherries in a food processor.
- Add the mixture to a saucepan over low heat. Stir until it sizzles.
- Add the sugar and allow it to liquefy, and then get it to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Now, pour the final fruit mixture into the hot and sterile jars. Close them with the lids and allow them to cool.
Conclusion
They taste sweet and are usually red, just like most cherries. And they also come with benefits. Include the cherries in your diet today.
Also, tell us how this post has helped you. Just leave a comment in the box below.
References
Articles on thebridalbox are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- “Cherries may help fight diabetes”. WebMD.
- “Identification and antioxidant activity of…”. US National Library of Medicine.
- “Bioactivities and health benefits of wild fruits”. US National Library of Medicine.
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Read full bio of Beth Opfer
