Strawberries are among the most attractive of all fruits on the planet, but this fruit is not just great to look at; it also comes packed with nutrients. In fact, so much so that when measured against common serving sizes, it is placed at third position among all foods with maximum antioxidant capacity. This fruit can be enjoyed even by diabetes patients as it helps in reducing rise in blood sugar level.
Why are Strawberries benefecial?
Strawberries are ranked among 50 best antioxidant sources among commonly eaten foods people consume. According to World’s Healthiest Foods Rating, strawberries are rated as excellent in vitamin C and manganese content, very good in dietary fiber, folate and iodine, and good in potassium, magnesium, vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids
Health benefits of Strawberries
Health benefits of Strawberries are numerous. Some of the most important and common ones are are discussed in this article:
Benefits to heart : That strawberries are rich in antioxidants itself is enough to explain why it is so much beneficial for a healthy heart. In addition to this it has also has anti-inflammatory properties which take care of the blood vessels as well. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant vitamin and hence is important to heart, strawberries are very rich in vitamin C, in-fact it contains vitamin C even greater than that of citrus fruits. It is also rich in manganese which is an important antioxidant mineral. Strawberries contain substances called phytonutrients that function as anti-oxidants and as anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Strawberries contain potassium, which is very important mineral to avoid heavy perspiration, hypertension, and problems to heart. Potassium helps in buffering the effects of sodium on blood pressure thus lowering it.
Strawberry contain Folate which helps in breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid whcih ic found in the blood which increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
According to the research studies by American Heart Association fiber is good for heart's health, strawberries are a great source of fiber. Eating 8 strawberries provides as much as 3 grams of valuable fiber content.
Benefits against cancer : Cancer is in fact caused primarily by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, strawberries with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial in the inhibition of breast, cervical, esophageal and colon cancers. Again, phytonutrients are found to be responsible for this action.
Beneficial in reducing blood sugar : A recent research showed that sugar when consumed along with strawberries didn’t result in an increase of sugar level in the blood as expected. The rise was reduced by the consumption of strawberries and the researchers’ assumption is that polyphenols contained in strawberries reduce the activity of enzyme which releases simple sugar into blood stream.
Benefits to brain : Fisetin which is found most abundantly in strawberries helps in prevention of diabetes and in protection of brain neurons. The same substance is also considered to be helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits to teeth : Strawberries are considered to be good at removing stains from the teeth. Malic acid present in strawberries functions as a tooth bleach.
Folate in Strawberries help prevent birth defects : Folate is very popularly known since it is of utmost importance in preventing fetal neural tube and brain defects during pregnancy. Folate which is important for the formation of red blood cells and genetic material in human beings is present abundantly in the strawberries.
Benefits to Skin : Anti-oxidants present in strawberries work as an anti-aging formula while the presence of Vitamin C reduces wrinkles and blemishes. This fruit also contains Omega 3 fatty acids which are good for skin’s health. Another very important constituent of strawberries is Salicylic acid known to remove dead cells and keep skin healthy and glowing. These are the reasons why a strawberry facial mask can make your skin glow.
Other health benefits of strawberries:
- Fisetin in strawberry is thought to be helpful in relieving anxiety.
- Strawberry extracts can enhance cognitive function and motor function.
- Strawberries are even helpful in warding off the cold and flu with the help of its antioxidants.
How to select and store strawberries
Strawberries are very fragile and perishable, so it is always better to buy them just before use. Studies show that if stored for more than 2 days, nutrients contained in the fruit may be lost. When it is stored, refrigerating will help preserve freshness.
When choosing the berries, definitely go for the looks. Studies also show that the fully ripe strawberries contain more nutrients. Therefore care must be taken to select the red, ripe and plump ones without any mold on it. They should be firm and shiny as well. Strawberries with the green caps on are always better.
Making Awesome Strawberry Cake!
Great ways to enjoy strawberries
- Top up your waffles and pancakes with sliced strawberries
- Strawberry salad!
- Add strawberries to your dessert
- Of course best of them all – Eat them raw – and enjoy!
Precautions while eating strawberries
While they are great for health, taking basic precautions while selecting and eating ensures there are no side effects. Strawberries are found to be among the foods that contain a lot of pesticide residue. So in order to avoid related health risks, try to eat organically grown strawberries whenever possible. Strawberries contain measurable quantities of oxalates. Oxalates are substances that create problems when their concentration increases in body fluids. They also interfere with the absorption of Calcium. For these reasons, it is better that people with kidney or gallbladder problems avoid strawberries.
Health benefits of Strawberries are amazing and many. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this delicious fruit should be added to to your diet for sure!