The Surprising Health Benefits of Cherries (And Recipes You’ll Love)

Cherries are one of those perfect summer fruits—vibrant, juicy, sweet-tart, and nostalgic. But what most people don’t realize is that they’re also seriously powerful when it comes to your health.

In fact, this little red fruit is one of nature’s best kept secrets for reducing inflammation, easing pain, improving sleep, and supporting women’s health—all while tasting like dessert. And if you’re from Michigan, it gets even better—because your home state grows more tart cherries than anywhere else in the U.S.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes cherries so special—and scroll to the bottom for two of my favorite cherry recipes with no refined sugar: Cherry Chia Jam and a Healthy Cherry Cobbler.