Nature’s candy, or as most of us know them, strawberries, are one of the smallest yet most nutritious fruits in the market today. These red, juicy, delicious berries are not only good for the tongue, but they’re Vitamin-packed fruits as well. You’ll be surprised at just how many health benefits strawberries offer your body.(Image Credit: Diese lizenzfreien Fotos darfst du zwar verwenden/Pixabay)
The best part about them? They remain nutritious regardless of the form you take it, whether frozen, fresh, or as part of your smoothie. Therefore, if you care about your health, then this is one fruit you definitely need to add to your diet.
Below are some of the health benefits you’ll gain from strawberries.
1. Strawberries can boost your immunity
Despite being one of the smallest fruits, strawberries are densely packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help the immune system fight off infections and diseases. In fact, nutritionists believe that one cup of strawberries (Almost equivalent to a glass of orange juice) contains as much as 100mg of vitamin C.
Moreover, the strawberry’s red, juicy, delicious flesh isn’t the only nutritious part of the fruit. Studies have shown that its leafy part, known as the calyx, is also a rich source of antioxidants.
2. Strawberries are great for your heart
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, consumption of strawberries was found to result in improved blood lipids levels and reduced platelet build-up. Furthermore, the study indicated that after 30 days, there’s an overall 9% reduction in body cholesterol.
Strawberries are also a good of potassium, which helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure by lowering the blood pressure. It also reduces your chances of getting a stroke and a heart attack.
3. Strawberries can help you fight cancer
While eating strawberries may not entirely stop cancer, it plays a massive role in fighting against it. For one, Strawberries contain unique nutrients called flavonoids, which are powerful weapons for slowing down the reproduction of cancerous cells.
The berries are also rich in ellagic acid, a phytochemical that portrays anti-cancer properties and protects you from breast, Esophagus, skin, and lung cancer. Additionally, the Vitamin C in this fruit boosts your immunity to help ward off this disease.
4. Strawberries help regulate your blood sugar
We all love some carbohydrates in our meals; well, at least I do. This carb, however, will, more often than not, contain more sugar than the body can take. If you are like me, then you should consider taking your sugar-rich meal, alongside a cup of strawberries.
These juicy fruits are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, which are believed to affect carbohydrate digestion and absorption. As such, they bring about a balance effect, which prevents the insulin and blood sugar levels from spiking.
Consequently, most experts recommend it to diabetics. But it wouldn’t hurt if you added it to your diet too!
5. Strawberries are good for your skin
That’s right! You don’t have to worry about pre-mature aging anymore. Regular eating of strawberries can help you maintain that young, glowing skin you so dearly want. This anti-aging property is caused by Ellagic acid, which prevents the destruction of the collagen, that causes wrinkling. They help keep your skin beautiful.
Its juice is also a good source of salicylic acid, which reduces dark spots and acne scars on your skin. It’s also known to improve your complexion and protects you from UV rays.
Final Thoughts
Besides the above benefits, other health benefits of strawberries include; improved eye vision, helps in weight management, lowers cholesterol levels, as well as helping in reducing birth defects for pregnant women, among others.
