Here’s The 4 Reasons Why You Should Never Eat Maraschino Cherries

We've all heard tales of the forbidden fruit, the one that might doom us if consumed too much. And while pondering these ancient warnings, you might find yourself sipping a milkshake or enjoying an ice cream topped with a bright red maraschino cherry. Ah, those bright red maraschino cherries, hiding in plain sight! You read that right: these vibrant little fruits are the real enemies here, and they should never be eaten. Here's why.

#1 Their Artificial Coloring

The first reason to avoid maraschino cherries is their artificial coloring. That vivid red hue isn't natural; it's the result of adding Red Dye #40, a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum. While it makes the cherries look appealing, Red Dye #40 has been linked to various health concerns, including hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Consuming these dyed cherries means ingesting chemicals that your body doesn't need, and frankly, you deserve better.

#2 Their Way Too High Sugar Content

Maraschino cherries are essentially sugar bombs. During their processing, these cherries are soaked in a sweet brine and then loaded with corn syrup or sugar. This not only strips them of their natural flavor but also makes them a calorie-dense treat with little to no nutritional value. The high sugar content can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, contributing to weight gain and increasing the risk of diabetes. Eating these cherries regularly is akin to adding a spoonful of sugar to your diet each time, and not in the delightful Mary Poppins way.

#3 Their Preservatives Galore

Another significant issue with maraschino cherries is the preservatives used to prolong their shelf life. Sodium benzoate and sulfur dioxide are commonly added to keep these cherries looking fresh and prevent spoilage. However, these preservatives can have adverse effects on health, especially when consumed in large quantities. Sodium benzoate, in particular, has been linked to inflammation and can react with Vitamin C to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Yikes!

#4 Their Lack of Nutritional Value

Last but not least, maraschino cherries offer little in terms of nutrition. The processing they undergo removes most of their beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fresh cherries naturally provide. What you’re left with is a glorified candy with none of the health benefits. Fresh cherries, in contrast, are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. So, opting for the real deal over their artificially enhanced counterparts is a no-brainer.