Cherries not only taste good, but are good for you. These red jewels have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are a source of polyphenols and vitamin C. A DaVita Dietitian’s Top 15 Health Foods for Dialysis Patients gives a look at more foods with antioxidant properties that may benefit kidney patients.
Nutrients
Cherries have a kidney-friendly nutrient profile. One-half cup (about 9 cherries) contains 50 calories, 13 g carbohydrate, 1.6 g fiber, 170 mg potassium, 16 mg phosphorus and 0 mg sodium.
Types of Cherries
There are two main types of cherries: sweet and sour (tart). Sour cherries are usually used for pie filling and sauces. Sweet cherries are most commonly found in grocery stores when in season. They are typically eaten raw, in fruit salad, or poached as a topping for ice cream. Maraschino cherries are also a kidney-friendly dessert topping favorite.
Cherries are a seasonal fruit. Fresh cherries usually show up in the grocery store late in the spring and early summer. Sweet cherries are at prime ripeness May to August. Sour cherries have a shorter season from June to July. California and Washington are primary cherry growing states. Most sour cherries are grown in Michigan.
The following recipes from DaVita.com feature cherries as a key ingredient.
