Health Benefits of Strawberries

Everyone knows what strawberries are. But, not many know that there are many varieties of strawberries. For most, the deep red color, typical shape and the green leafy cap are enough to identify this most popular of all berries.

Strawberries are at their tastiest best when the fruit is in season. However, frozen strawberries are available throughout the year.

Strawberries may be small but they pack a whole lot of nutrients that are very beneficial for health. In this article, I’ll go over some of the health benefits associated with these power-foods so you’ll know exactly what it is about these fruits that is so important to you and whether they can be part of a fat loss diet plan.

You will also learn about which people should avoid strawberries due to existing health conditions.

Health benefits

This heart shaped fruit contain very high amounts of Vitamin C. It also contains manganese, potassium, iodine, folate, magnesium and copper besides Vitamins K, B2, B5 and B6. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids. The fleshy pulp and the rough skin are rich in dietary fiber.

The Vitamin C in strawberries boosts immunity and fights inflammation within the body. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that women who ate a dozen or more strawberries have fewer signs of inflammation in their bodies.

As people age, the build up of free radicals within the body leads to age related problems like memory loss, weakened organ systems and tissue degeneration. High Vitamin C levels in strawberries help eliminate free radicals and thus rejuvenate the aging system.

The deep red color of strawberries is indicative of its rich antioxidant capacity. These antioxidants eliminate free radicals and protect the organs of the body. Strawberry may also defend the body from deadly diseases like cancer, heart diseases and inflammation related diseases like arthritis and gout. The antioxidant activity of strawberries has a pain-killing action similar to COX inhibitors like aspirin and ibuprofen. Unlike these medicines, however, strawberries are natural and do not produce harmful side effects.

The fiber content in strawberries is beneficial for the digestive system and the heart. Therefore, strawberries are an essential part of any healthy weight loss diet.

Vitamin B present in the fruit strengthens the muscles of the heart.

According to studies, 3-4 servings of fruit prevent vision problems in older people. Strawberries can thus play an active role in preventing macular degeneration.

Since strawberries contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium, they are effective against high blood pressure.

How to Eat

Strawberries taste wonderful when they are eaten fresh. However, they are perishable and cannot be stored for long.

Chopped strawberries may be added to fruit salads.

Strawberries may be added to green salads.

When strawberries are added to cinnamon, lemon juice and maple syrup, they make an excellent topping for pancakes. This, however, may be high in calories so don’t overdo these kinds of foods if you’re trying to burn the fat off your body.

Strawberries may be added to other fruits and blended to make healthy fruit shakes.

NOTE: Strawberries contain oxalates which can crystallize within the body. Therefore, people with kidney or gallbladder related problems may want to avoid eating the fruit.

In conclusion

Whether you eat them fresh or frozen, strawberries are low-calorie foods that are packed with numerous health benefits. What more reason could there be to enjoy these succulent little packets of goodness and health?