What are the differences between cherry and cherry fruit?
Jan 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Yingzhu is the traditional Chinese medicine name for cherry. Under normal circumstances, there are differences between Yingzhu and cherries in terms of appearance color, taste, nutritional components, sugar content, and effects on the digestive system. Patients with diabetes should pay attention to controlling their intake of Yingzhu or cherries to avoid elevated blood sugar levels; individuals prone to diarrhea should also avoid excessive consumption or improper consumption that may worsen diarrhea.
Ying Zhu is the Chinese medicinal name for cherry. Under normal circumstances, there are differences between Ying Zhu and cherries in terms of appearance and color, taste, nutritional components, sugar content, effects on the digestive system, and other aspects. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Appearance and Color
Cherries are generally larger in size, with a darker red or black-purple color, and a plump, rounded shape. In comparison, Ying Zhu are smaller, usually more vivid in color, appearing orange-red or pinkish, and slightly flatter in shape. These visual differences make the two easily distinguishable by sight.
2. Taste and Texture
Cherries have tender, juicy flesh with a rich sweet flavor and a balanced sweet-tart taste. Ying Zhu, on the other hand, have firmer flesh with a slightly tart flavor, although their overall sweetness may be higher than cherries, and their texture is more tender.
3. Nutritional Content
Ying Zhu and cherries differ in their content of nutrients such as vitamin C and minerals. Cherries have a relatively higher vitamin C content, which helps enhance immunity, promote collagen synthesis, and provide antioxidant benefits. Cherries also contain more iron than Ying Zhu, and moderate consumption can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
4. Sugar Content
The sugar content and types of sugar in Ying Zhu and cherries are slightly different, leading to variations in their glycemic index (GI). Generally, cherries have relatively higher sugar content and faster absorption, resulting in a potentially higher GI value compared to Ying Zhu. Diabetic patients or individuals needing to control blood sugar should be more cautious about the quantity consumed to avoid significant blood sugar fluctuations.
5. Effects on the Digestive System
Ying Zhu have slightly softer flesh and a moderate dietary fiber content; moderate consumption can help stimulate intestinal motility and relieve constipation. Cherries have relatively crisp and firm flesh with higher dietary fiber content. Excessive consumption might increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, especially for individuals with weaker digestion, potentially causing discomfort symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain.
Diabetic patients should control their intake of Ying Zhu or cherries to avoid elevated blood sugar levels; individuals prone to diarrhea should avoid excessive or improper consumption that could worsen diarrhea.
