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October 26, 2023
September 19, 2024
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September 19, 2024
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Cherries, known for their juicy and luscious appeal, have piqued the interest of health enthusiasts due to their notable impact on glycemic response. Cherries possess a relatively low glycemic index, measuring how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Notably, cherries also boast a rich reservoir of polyphenols, such as quercetin and ellagic acid, which have been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.¹ 

This article aims to explore the dynamic relationship between the cherry glycemic index, its polyphenolic content, and the implications for individuals managing blood sugar levels and overall health.

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Glycemic Index Table

The glycemic index of cherries is relatively low, estimated to be around 22.² This indicates that cherries have a minor impact on blood sugar levels, making them a favorable option for individuals aiming to manage their glycemic response. Considering a serving size of 100 grams, cherries contain approximately 12.18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.² 

Consequently, the glycemic load (GL) per serving can be calculated using the formula: (Glycemic Index * Carbohydrates per Serving) / 100, yielding a GL of 2.68 for cherries.

The glycemic index of cherries might be influenced by certain factors, such as the ripeness of the fruit and whether they are consumed fresh, frozen, or processed. Typically, cooking or processing may increase the glycemic index of some fruits by breaking down their fiber content. However, further research is needed to understand the precise impact of cooking on the glycemic index of cherries.

Glycemic Index

22

Serving Size

100g

Carbohydrate* per Serving (g)

12.18 g

GL per Serving

2.00

Nutritional Facts

Cherries are a rich source of essential nutrients, boasting notable quantities of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. A standard serving of 100 grams of cherries contains approximately 16% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which plays a pivotal role in supporting immune function and aiding collagen synthesis.³ Additionally, cherries are a good source of dietary fiber, providing around 2.1 grams per 100 grams, contributing to improved digestive health and overall well-being.³

The nutritional information below is for 100 g of cherries.³

Calories

63 kcal

Carbs

12.18 g

Protein

1.06 g

Fiber

2.1 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Vitamins

A (3 µg), B6 (0.05 mg), C (7 mg).

Sodium

0 mg

Total Fat

0.2 g

Is Cherry Good for Weight Loss?

Cherries can be a valuable component of a weight loss diet due to their low-calorie content and rich nutrient profile. Studies, such as the one published in the European Journal of Nutrition, have suggested that the bioactive compounds in cherries, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, may contribute to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can support weight management efforts by promoting metabolic health and regulating adipocyte function.⁴ 

Moreover, the fiber content in cherries can aid in promoting satiety and regulating appetite, potentially helping individuals consume fewer overall calories, as emphasized by research conducted by the National Institutes of Health.⁵ Incorporating cherries into a well-balanced, calorie-controlled diet can be a helpful strategy for individuals aiming to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Is Cherry Safe for People Living with Diabetes?

Cherries can be a beneficial addition to the diets of individuals with diabetes, primarily due to their relatively low glycemic index and potential health-promoting properties. Research from the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests that cherries, particularly tart cherries, contain bioactive compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols, which may contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation, thus potentially aiding in managing blood sugar levels.⁶ 

Additionally, cherries' fiber content may help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin response, as highlighted by studies from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.⁷ While cherries can be incorporated into a diabetic diet, it is essential for individuals to monitor their portion sizes and overall carbohydrate intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

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Allergies

Although relatively uncommon, allergies to cherries can induce various symptoms ranging from mild oral allergy syndrome to severe anaphylaxis. Studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, have highlighted that cherry allergies are often associated with cross-reactivity to other fruits, such as peaches, apples, and plums, due to similar allergenic proteins.⁸ 

Individuals with known sensitivities to birch pollen might be at a higher risk of developing cherry allergies, as these proteins can elicit an immune response leading to allergic reactions.⁹ It is crucial for individuals experiencing adverse reactions after consuming cherries to seek medical guidance to manage and prevent potential allergic responses.

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FAQs

What is Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels compared to a reference food, usually glucose. It ranks foods on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating a faster rise in blood sugar. The glycemic index (GI) scale is typically categorized as follows: Low GI [55 or less], Medium GI [56-69], High GI [70 or higher]. Foods with a high glycemic index digest rapidly and can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood glucose or glucose spikes.

What is Glycemic Load?

Glycemic load (GL) takes into account both the quality (glycemic index) and quantity (carbohydrate content) of carbohydrates in a specific serving of food. It is a measure of how much a particular food will raise blood sugar levels. GL is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index of a food by its carbohydrate content and dividing it by 100. It provides a more accurate representation of the overall impact of a food on blood sugar compared to the glycemic index alone.

Does Cherry Spike Insulin?

Cherries have a low glycemic index and do not typically cause a significant spike in insulin levels. They contain dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, individual responses may vary, and portion control is still important when managing blood sugar levels.

Is Cherry Low Glycemic?

Yes, cherries have a low glycemic index, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Can People Living with Diabetes Eat Cherry?

Yes, people living with diabetes can eat cherries in moderation as they have a low glycemic index and are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. However, they should monitor their blood sugar levels and consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate portion size.

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References

  1. Khoo, H. E., Azlan, A., Tang, S. T., & Lim, S. M. (2017). Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food & nutrition research, 61(1), 1361779. https://doi.org/10.1080/16546628.2017.1361779 
  2. The University of Sydney. (2023, May 1). Glycemic Index – Glycemic Index Research and GI News. https://glycemicindex.com/ 
  3. USDA FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Food Details - Cherries, sweet, dark red, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2346399/nutrients 
  4. Erlund, I., Freese, R., Marniemi, J., Hakala, P., & Alfthan, G. (2006). Bioavailability of quercetin from berries and the diet. Nutrition and cancer, 54(1), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327914nc5401_3
  5. Howarth, N. C., Saltzman, E., & Roberts, S. B. (2001). Dietary fiber and weight regulation. Nutrition reviews, 59(5), 129–139. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2001.tb07001.x
  6. Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., Reddy, A., Woodhouse, L. R., Mackey, B. E., & Erickson, K. L. (2013). Sweet bing cherries lower circulating concentrations of markers for chronic inflammatory diseases in healthy humans. The Journal of nutrition, 143(3), 340–344. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.112.171371
  7. Jenkins, D. J., Kendall, C. W., Augustin, L. S., Franceschi, S., Hamidi, M., Marchie, A., Jenkins, A. L., & Axelsen, M. (2002). Glycemic index: overview of implications in health and disease. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 76(1), 266S–73S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/76/1.266S
  8. San Miguel-Moncín, M., Krail, M., Scheurer, S., Enrique, E., Alonso, R., Conti, A., Cisteró-Bahíma, A., & Vieths, S. (2003). Lettuce anaphylaxis: identification of a lipid transfer protein as the major allergen. Allergy, 58(6), 511–517. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00097.x
  9. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (2020, September 28). Oral allergy syndrome. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/oral-allergy-syndrome-(oas)

About the author

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.

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About the author

Brittany Barry is a national board-certified health coach and NASM-certified personal trainer based in South Carolina.

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Please note: The Signos team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The Signos blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

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