Do your body (especially your taste buds!) a favour and pick some up at your local farmer’s market.

Here are some healthy reasons to enjoy cherries:

1. They promote a healthy colon

Cherries contain quercetin, which is a flavanoid with anti-carcinogenic properties. It has been found to help in the prevention of lesions that are thought to be predictors of tumours, from forming in the colon.

2. They control cholesterol levels

Cherries are high in pectin which is a soluble fiber, promoting healthy elimination and lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).

3. They can help ease aching joints

Cherries’ rich red colour comes from anthocyanins, an antioxidant that inhibits inflammation, and may help soothe soreness linked to muscle and joint pain.

4. Cherries help your eyesight

Sour cherries contain 19 times the amount of beta-carotene found in blueberries. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which helps maintain eyesight and healthy skin.

5. They improve your sleep

Cherries are a source of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate the body’s sleep patterns.