The benefits of strawberries are many and very varied. These are probably the most popular berries in the world and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are good for your heart and blood sugar. These berries are also excellent sources of vitamin C and minerals like potassium and manganese. Read on and find out what the benefits of strawberries are.
Health benefits of strawberries
The antioxidants and polyphenols in these berries support heart health and prevent various forms of cancer and also the vitamin C that these berries contain, which also contributes to healthy skin and hair. Let’s look at some of the benefits of strawberries.
They can protect the heart
The abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols in strawberries makes them the ideal food to protect the heart from ailments. Strawberries contain anthocyanins, which protect the lining of the circulatory system, thereby protecting the arteries from plaque build-up and regulating blood pressure
They can regulate blood sugar levels
Strawberries also contain ellagic acid and this, along with antioxidants, helps slow down the digestion of starchy foods. This controls the rise in blood sugar levels after a starchy meal. It also helps people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Strawberries also have a low glycaemic index, which means they are unlikely to cause sharp spikes in sugar when consumed by diabetics.
They can boost immunity
Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. In fact, a single serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C has been found to trigger antibodies that stimulate the immune system, ultimately enhancing your body’s ability to fight infection.
They can regulate blood pressure
The anthocyanins present in strawberries are powerful antioxidants that relax the lining of the blood vessels and open them, thus lowering blood pressure. They are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps control blood pressure.
They can improve brain health
Strawberries, with their high antioxidant content, protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also change the way neurons in the brain communicate with each other. Ultimately, this leads to better brain health.
They Can Fight Inflammation
Strawberries contain quercetin, and according to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts, taking quercetin, along with regular exercise, can reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, which plays an important role in preventing inflammation. This vitamin also plays a role in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and gout.
They can fight cholesterol
Strawberries are known to contain pectin, which is a type of soluble fibre that lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.
According to an analysis conducted jointly by Italian and Spanish scientists, consuming 500 grams of strawberries regularly for a month saw a decrease in LDL levels. Another Canadian study showed the effectiveness of strawberries in reducing oxidative damage and bad cholesterol.
They can improve visual health
Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that have been found to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
They can help you lose weight
Ellagic acid and antioxidants are what play an important role in making strawberries ideal for weight loss.
Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of weight gain, as it blocks the hormones that make you lose weight. Strawberry, being an incredible anti-inflammatory food, restores the functionalities of weight-reducing hormones.
In addition, anthocyanins increase the body’s production of a hormone called adiponectin. This hormone promotes metabolism and suppresses appetite. It could also induce fat burning.
They can support a healthy pregnancy
Strawberries are a rich source of folic acid. You get about 40 micrograms of folic acid from one cup of raw strawberries, which is about 10% of the recommended daily intake. According to research, folic acid is important during pregnancy as it can prevent neural tube defects. It is also important for the health of the mother.
They can keep teeth healthy
Strawberries contain malic acid, which acts as an astringent and removes tooth discoloration. This means that you can use this fruit to whiten your teeth. You can simply mash the strawberry into a pulp and mix with baking soda until you get a smooth mixture. Using a soft toothbrush, spread the mixture over your teeth. Leave it on for 5 minutes, brush thoroughly with toothpaste and rinse.
Don’t overdo it though, as the acid in the fruit could damage your enamel.
They can have anti-aging properties
The antioxidants in strawberries protect our body from oxidative damage and stop the signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines; among others).
They are also excellent sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that plays a prominent role in preventing the signs of aging. The anthocyanins present in strawberries protect the skin from oxidative stress, which slows down aging.
They can improve skin health
Berries generally contain alpha-hydroxy acid, which is an important substance that helps remove dead skin cells and cleanses the skin in the process.
Strawberry also contains salicylic acid and ellagic acid, which are known to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Salicylic acid is also known to remove dead skin cells and tighten pores on the skin to prevent further breakouts.
Among the benefits of strawberries is that they are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can cleanse the skin and keep it healthy. Berries also have other benefits for the skin: they improve complexion, tone and soothe irritated skin, and offer protection against ultraviolet radiation.
They can prevent hair loss
Being rich in vitamin C, strawberries are excellent for stimulating iron absorption and promoting hair growth. It has also been found that a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to split ends. The vitamin can also treat dandruff.
It is also believed that the silica in strawberries can slow down baldness and stimulate hair growth. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
See also Foods to prevent hair loss
ALFA