Health benefits and harms of red cherry

Red bird cherry is a rather rare culture in our country that is worth paying attention to. The plant will appeal to gardeners, lovers of landscape design and unusual culinary preparations. The medicinal properties of the fruit will be useful for many diseases or simply for the prevention of the body..

The composition of the fruits of the red bird cherry

Red bird cherry is the popular name of the culture, which appeared due to the acquisition of purple leaves at the end of the growing season. In biology, the plant is called the Virginia bird cherry after the name of the state in the eastern United States, where it grows everywhere in the wild.... In Europe, the plant has been known since 1724.

The shrub (tree) became widespread in North America, which was facilitated by the massive felling of difficult forests by European settlers. The North American Indians used medicinal properties of fruits and bark, valuable qualities of wood.for which the plant has become an important part of everyday life. For cultivation in home gardening, bird cherry species with the best operational characteristics were selected.

The study of the chemical composition of the fruits and bark of red bird cherry is mainly carried out by US scientists, research data make it possible to characterize useful substances.

The fruits of the red bird cherry contain:

• vitamins C, P;
• tannins;
• lycopene;
• anthocyanins;
• coffee, chlorogenic, ferulic acids;
• polysaccharides;
• essential oils.

The share of sugars accounts for 9-13%, and the volume of tannins is only 0,9-0,13%... These indicators differ significantly from the content of similar substances in the fruits of bird cherry (5% / 15%). Therefore, the fruits of the red cherry are much sweeter and do not have pronounced astringent properties.

The benefits of red berries for human health

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins (7.57%) contained in red bird cherry are several times higher than other plant sources. Therefore, the plant is an excellent source of biologically active polyphenols, consisting of glycosides, which are found in many medicines.

Feature of anthocyanins - lack of synthesis in the human body. They are quickly destroyed and do not accumulate in the body, therefore they must be constantly supplied with food. The daily requirement of a healthy person is 200 mg, and of a patient 300 mg.

Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant, sedative, bactericidal, and firming properties. therefore used in complex treatment and prevention:

• colds;
• viral and bacterial infections;
• cardiovascular insufficiency;
• eye pathologies;
• neuropathies, stress, insomnia;
• atherosclerosis;
• depletion of the body after chemotherapy;
• cleansing the body of toxins.

Anthocyanins are found in many eye health supplements. Studies have shown that people who consistently take active polyphenols have sharper vision.

Chlorogenic acid

Chlorogenic acid (355.3 mg) is not often found in nature, it is mainly found in green coffee beans and loses an impressive part of its beneficial properties when roasted... This acid is primarily known for its fat burning properties, which are massively used by manufacturers of weight loss products. In addition, the substance has regulatory, tonic and antioxidant properties.

Benefits for the body:

• lowering sugar levels;
• suppression of the synthesis of "bad" cholesterol;
• stabilization of the intestines;
• removal of toxins from the body;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• prevention of blood clots;
• burning fat by regulating glucose synthesis.

Caffeic acid

Caffeic acid (181.1 mg) is carcinogenicby suppressing the development of cancer cells.

Feluric acid

Feluric acid (194.3 mg) is known for its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, sunscreen properties, further increases the bioavailability of vitamin E. This substance is often used in cosmetology., including in anti-aging, protective and brightening skin care products.

Tannins

Tannins (1%) of red bird cherry fruits have P-vitamin properties... This is a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal mucosa, regulation of the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, intestinal motility improves, and the intensity of food absorption increases.

Tannins have a bacteriostatic (growth retarding) effect on many microorganisms, absorb (absorb) toxins.

Benefits for the body:

• elimination of dysentery, dysbiosis;
• purification from radioactive elements;
• regulation of the digestive tract;
• prevention of radiation sickness, leukemia;
• elimination of poisoning of plant poisons and salts of heavy metals.

Tannins are destroyed by freezing, quickly bind to proteins of other products, not having time to reach the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, in order not to get harm from the fruits of the red bird cherry, they are consumed fresh and on an empty stomach..

Recommendations for eating red bird cherry

The fruits of the red bird cherry are ideal for culinary preparations and a great opportunity to diversify the usual diet. They are eaten fresh, dried and in powder form.... Jams, compotes, tinctures and fillings for pies are prepared from the fruits of red bird cherry.

After full technical ripening, the fruits are harvested together with the stalks and dried in the oven, spreading them out on a baking sheet. Within an hour, the temperature is maintained within 35 ° -40 ° C, then raise to 60 ° -80 ° Cairing the oven periodically... At the final stage, the temperature is lowered to a minimum. After drying, the stalks are removed, the fruits are placed in glass jars with tightly closed lids.

Red bird cherry flour can rightfully be considered a delicacy. It makes extraordinary desserts, pastries, jelly, sauces for hot dishes, flavoring additives for tinctures and compotes.This is a healthy and low-calorie (118.4 / 100g) product that will add new flavors and diversify any therapeutic diet.

One of the important components of flour is fiber, which gets into the product from the rind and bone during grinding. The indicator of this substance in the product is second only to whole grain flour. Therefore, flour from the fruits of red bird cherry is useful for losing weight or healthy eating.

To get flour dried fruit is ground in a coffee grinder or food processor with appropriate functions. Store the product in glass containers with a closed lid in a dark and cool place. Flour and dried fruits retain their beneficial properties for up to 2 years.

Recipes from fruits of red bird cherry

Despite the rather modest spread of red bird cherry in gardening, home cooks have collected an interesting collection of recipes.

Toning compote

Ingredients:

• cherry fruits 1kg;
• sugar 300 g;
• water.

The washed fruits are blanched for 3-4 minutes. Water is measured by the number of prepared cans and the syrup is boiled. To do this, add sugar to the water and boil until completely dissolved (3-5 minutes). Fruits are poured with syrup and kept for 5 hours, having previously closed with a lid.

After that, the berries are distributed in sterilized jars, filling ¼ of the total. The syrup is put on fire and brought to a boil and the jars are poured to the top. The containers are rolled up with lids and turned upside down, wrapped in warm material and kept 24 hours... After that, the compote can be removed to storage.

Jam

Ingredients:

• cherry fruits 1 kg;
• sugar 1 kg;
• citric acid to taste.

The prepared fruits of the red bird cherry are covered with sugar and kept 10 hours... After that, the released juice is drained and brought to a boil. Fruits are poured with hot juice and cooked until tender. Readiness is determined by the consistency of the syrup... To do this, you need to drip a little jam on a cold dish. If it keeps its shape well and does not spread, the jam is ready.

Kissel from bird cherry flour

Ingredients:

• flour 100 g;
• honey 2 tbsp. l .;
• starch 1 tbsp. l .;
• water 1.5 l.

Flour is bred in 0,5 l boiling water and stir until the lumps are completely eliminated... The mixture, starch and honey are added to 1 liter of boiling water. Bring to a boil again and remove from the stove.

Dessert cake

Ingredients:

• cherry fruits 500 g;
• sugar 300 g;
• yeast dough.

The washed fruits are blanched with added sugar (7 minutes) and ground. The dough is rolled out and spread on a greased baking sheet. Lay the filling on top with a layer of 2 cm. Bake at temperature 200°, on average after 30-40 minutes the cake will be ready... In winter, the filling can be made from dried fruit powder.

Vodka tincture

Ingredients:

• cherry fruits 400 g;
• vodka 0.5 l;
• sugar 100 g

For the preparation of the tincture, the largest fruits are selected, sorted out and washed. The fruits are laid out in a glass container, covered with sugar and kept until juice is formed. After that, vodka is poured into the container, mixed and tightly closed with a lid. Insist at a temperature + 22 ° С- + 25 ° С in a dark room 20-25 days... After that, the drink is filtered through a gauze cloth and poured into bottles with dark glass. The tincture is perfectly stored for up to 1 year.

The beneficial properties of the fruits of red bird cherry are preserved during drying and other harvesting methods. This is a great opportunity to improve your health all year round. The fruits can be added to tea or brewed separately as a tonic drink... Red bird cherry goes well with strawberries, rose hips, sea buckthorn and all useful herbs.