What are the effects of eating too many cherries?

Jan 02, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Eating excessive cherries may cause adverse reactions such as heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, elevated blood sugar levels, iron poisoning, or cyanide poisoning. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Cherries are considered a warm-natured fruit, and overconsumption can easily lead to symptoms of heatiness, including mouth ulcers, swollen and painful gums, sore throat, dry mouth and tongue, oral sores, and constipation.

Excessive consumption of cherries may cause adverse reactions such as heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, elevated blood sugar levels, iron poisoning, and cyanide poisoning. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Heatiness: Cherries are a warm-natured fruit, and excessive consumption may easily lead to symptoms of heatiness, including oral ulcers, swollen and painful gums, sore throat, dry mouth, tongue sores, and constipation.

2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Cherries contain certain amounts of organic acids, such as malic acid and citric acid, as well as pectin. Consuming large quantities may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa and increase gastrointestinal burden, potentially causing indigestion symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

3. Elevated blood sugar: Cherries are rich in sugars, primarily glucose and fructose. Excessive consumption can rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients or individuals with unstable blood sugar control may experience worsening of their condition if they consume excessive cherries. Even healthy individuals may face an increased risk of diabetes from long-term, high-volume cherry consumption.

4. Iron poisoning: Cherries are high in iron. Consuming excessive amounts in one sitting may lead to iron poisoning. Excess iron in the body may increase the production of free radicals, accelerating aging processes.

5. Cyanide poisoning: The flesh of cherries contains small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can hydrolyze into hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic substance. Consuming large quantities of cherries may potentially lead to cyanide poisoning.

To avoid these adverse effects, it is recommended that adults consume no more than 200 grams of cherries per day, while children and elderly individuals should consume smaller amounts accordingly.

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