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How Many Calories Are in 20 Bing Cherries?

3 min read

Approximately 20 Bing cherries contain about 90 calories, making them a delicious and low-calorie snack choice. These sweet, dark red fruits offer more than just a tasty treat, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Quick Summary

A serving of 20 Bing cherries contains approximately 90 calories, along with fiber and essential nutrients. This fresh fruit is a healthy, low-calorie snack option that also delivers antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Key Points

  • Calorie Count: 20 Bing cherries contain approximately 90 calories, making them a low-calorie fruit choice.

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Bing cherries are packed with anthocyanins, which provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Supports Exercise Recovery: The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries can help reduce muscle soreness and oxidative stress after strenuous exercise.

  • Aids Sleep Quality: Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles and can improve sleep quality.

  • Nutrient-Dense Snack: As a fat-free and fiber-rich snack, cherries are more nutritious than many processed alternatives, supporting overall health and satiety.

  • Versatile Ingredient: Enjoy Bing cherries fresh, frozen, dried, or as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, from smoothies and salads to sauces.

In This Article

Understanding the Calorie Count of Bing Cherries

When it comes to snacking, understanding the nutritional value of what you eat is key, especially for those managing their weight. Bing cherries are a popular and naturally sweet choice. But exactly how many calories are in 20 Bing cherries? A standard serving of one cup, which typically contains around 20 to 21 Bing cherries, has approximately 90 calories. This makes them an excellent, guilt-free addition to a balanced diet, offering a wealth of flavor without a high calorie count.

Nutritional Profile Beyond the Calories

Beyond their low-calorie count, Bing cherries provide a robust nutritional profile. A one-cup serving (about 20 cherries) contains:

  • Approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates
  • About 3 grams of dietary fiber
  • 1.5 grams of protein
  • 0 grams of fat
  • Significant levels of vitamin C and potassium

These sweet fruits are also potent sources of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which are responsible for their deep red color. Anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects and help fight cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Bing Cherries vs. Other Common Snacks

To put the calorie count of Bing cherries into perspective, let's compare them to some other popular snack foods. This comparison table highlights why cherries are a fantastic healthy alternative.

Snack (Approximate Serving) Calories Key Nutritional Difference
20 Bing Cherries (~1 cup) 90 High in antioxidants, fiber, low fat
1 oz Bag of Potato Chips ~150-160 High in fat, sodium, and low in nutrients
1 Medium Banana ~105 Higher in potassium, similar calorie density
1 oz of Milk Chocolate ~150 High in sugar, saturated fat, and calories
100 Blackberries (1.5 cups) ~100 Higher in fiber, similar antioxidant benefits

As the table shows, a handful of Bing cherries is a much more nutrient-dense option compared to processed snacks like potato chips or milk chocolate, providing valuable vitamins and antioxidants for fewer calories. Even compared to other fruits like blackberries, cherries offer a comparable or lower calorie count per serving.

Health Benefits of Incorporating Cherries into Your Diet

Adding Bing cherries to your diet offers several potential health benefits. The rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can aid in recovery after exercise by reducing muscle soreness and oxidative stress. The melatonin naturally present in cherries can also help improve sleep quality. Furthermore, studies suggest the anti-inflammatory effects may help manage conditions like arthritis and gout. The fiber content supports digestive health, and the high potassium levels help regulate blood pressure, contributing to a heart-healthy diet.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Bing Cherries

Beyond eating them fresh, there are many ways to incorporate cherries into your daily meals:

  • Smoothies: Add frozen Bing cherries for a naturally sweet and thick texture.
  • Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Sprinkle fresh or dried cherries on top for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Salads: Toss pitted cherries into a spinach or mixed green salad for a sweet and savory kick.
  • Desserts: Use cherries in pies, tarts, or compotes. Be mindful of added sugar in these preparations.
  • Sauces: Cook down cherries with a bit of balsamic vinegar for a delicious sauce to pair with poultry or pork.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Healthy Snack Choice

In summary, a serving of 20 Bing cherries is a smart, low-calorie choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight. With approximately 90 calories per cup, they deliver a powerful combination of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support everything from heart health to better sleep. Opting for fresh, whole cherries over processed snacks is a simple yet effective way to improve your dietary habits. So, next time you're looking for a sweet treat, reach for a handful of Bing cherries and enjoy the delicious taste and numerous health benefits. For more information on the health benefits of cherries, consider exploring resources like WebMD's guide on the topic.

Note: While Bing cherries are a healthy snack, it's important to consume them as part of a balanced diet. Serving sizes can vary, so weighing your fruit can provide the most accurate calorie count for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bing cherries are good for weight loss because they are low in calories, fat-free, and high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Their natural sweetness can also help curb cravings for higher-calorie desserts.

On average, a single Bing cherry contains about 5 calories. Therefore, a serving of 20 cherries would be approximately 100 calories, but one standard cup (roughly 20-21 cherries) is often cited as around 90 calories due to slight size variations.

Bing cherries contain natural sugars, primarily fructose, but they are considered a low-glycemic food. A one-cup serving contains approximately 17 grams of sugar, but this is balanced by fiber and other nutrients, making it a healthier option than processed sweets.

Both sweet and tart cherries are healthy, but tart cherries are generally lower in calories and sugar, while sweet cherries like Bings contain nearly three times as many anthocyanins. Both varieties offer significant health benefits.

Yes, cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming cherries or cherry juice may help improve sleep duration and quality, particularly for individuals with disturbed sleep.

Dried Bing cherries retain many of their nutritional benefits, including fiber and antioxidants, but they are also much higher in calories and sugar per serving due to the dehydration process. It's best to consume dried cherries in moderation.

Yes, Bing cherries contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body. The antioxidants present in cherries also support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.