Why can we say that cherries and eyesight go together? They contain antioxidants as well as the compound bioflavonoid. In addition they contain Vitamins A, C and the B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, fiber and iron. Many recognize that Vitamin A is the most essential nutrient to maintain eye health.

Many contend that antioxidants can help to prevent eye problems from developing such as macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can lead to blindness of the older population. Cherries as well as many berries are rich in bioflavonoids which is known to strengthen the blood vessels that supply oxygen and vital nutrients to the tissues of the eyes and brain. Cherries are distantly akin to the blueberry. Many other fruits also have  these essential antioxidants. A number of other fruits found to be helpful in improving vision are such fruits as apples, grapes and oranges. Vegetables rich in Vitamin A are leafy greens, turnips, tomatoes, peas and, of course carrots. Over the years a regular consumption of soya beans, which is rich in vitamin A, has been found to aid in good eyesight

People usually put cherries into two basic types: sweet (usually Bing) and tart. The kind that is usually sold fresh or frozen is the sweet and you will find sour ones in canned pie mixes, or in cherry drinks. Both types however have  anthocyanins –a pigment which gives cherries their rich color. Many feel that this reduces inflammation in the body.

Of course not only are there beneficial effects for the eyes, many health professionals feel that cherries can relieve the pain of gout and various forms of arthritis as well as help in the prevention of colon cancer and heart disease. Because cherries are a source of beta-sitostrerol they can lower cholesterol. Being an alkaline fruit it can help to counteract acid being absorbed and then accumulated in the bloodstream. Cherries are considered to be part of a balanced diet and can help in keeping ones’ pH in balance.

Cherries are available most of the year. It is often spoken of as America’s Super Fruit. The largest producer, exporter and consumer of cherries is the U. S. Most sweet cherries are Bings. They are cultivated in the Western states.  They were developed by horticulturist Seth Lewelling and his Manchurian Chinese forman Ah Bing. The Bing cherry is sold in the fresh market. They ship well because they are large and firm. Lamberts and Raniers are other sweet cherries grown in the Western states; in the Eastern U. S. the Napoleon and Black Tartarian are grown. The sour or tart cherries grow mostly in Michigan particularly in the Grand Traverse Bay area because of the climate and geographic conditions . Other states in the Eastern region of the U. S. produce tart cherries too.

Cherries can be purchased not only fresh but dried, frozen and as juice. In health food stores you can find cherry extract supplements. Although no side effects have been reported when used according to the recommended dosages nor when taken with other medicines, extremely large amounts of wild cherry could lead to cyanide poisoning..

You can see that cherries and eyesight do work hand in hand together. For additional information regarding how foods and food supplements can improve vision, please look up our articles on ‘Foods That Improve Eyesight’ as well as “Does spinach improve eyesight“.