Cherries are a sweet summertime treat, but also a great fruit to enjoy for health and nutrition. Cherries are one of the top antioxidant-rich foods, contain melatonin for a good night’s sleep, and fight inflammation and pain linked to arthritis.

Cherries are full of antioxidants. These antioxidants have a number of different benefits, including the ability to prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as fighting off free radicals. The antioxidants found in cherries also work to slow the signs of aging.

Some cherries naturally contain melatonin - a natural substance that is typically produced by your brain to regulate your sleep cycles. Factors such as the artificial lighting that is found in many offices and homes limit how much melatonin is produced by human body and eating cherries might help boost melatonin levels.

Cherries contain substances known as anthocyanins -purple and blue pigments that give the cherries their color. These compounds reduce pain related to inflammation, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Cherries are also used to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and gout, though the extent to which they relieve pain needs further investigation. Cherries also contain boron, which helps increase bone health when consumed in conjunction with magnesium and calcium.