Cherries are a good source of potassium. Increasing evidence shows that a diet rich in potassium may help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk for hypertension and stroke.
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Evidence suggesting a protective role for cherries in diabetes is relatively sparse, but researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. In one study, cells exposed to various glucose loads and then exposed to anthocyanins and anthocyanidins showed increased insulin production, suggesting the role of these compounds in blood glucose control should be explored further (Jayaprakasam, 2005). The use of cherries to control blood glucose has been reported in traditional Chinese literature for centuries (Yamahara, 1981).
Recently the role of the glycemic index in diabetes control has gained renewed interest. Sweet cherries have an estimated glycemic index of 22, generally lower than other fruits including apricots (57), grapes (46), peaches (42), blueberries (40) or plums (39). The lower glycemic index makes sweet cherries a potentially better fruit-based snack food (as compared with many other fruits) for people with diabetes. The lower glycemic response shown in relation to cherry consumption may be the result of glucose-lowering effects of cherry phytochemicals in combination with the fiber content of cherries.