10 Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent source of antioxidant-promoting vitamin C and manganese. They are also a very good source of dietary fibre, iodine, and folate plus strawberries are a good source of copper, potassium, biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids … in other words Strawberries are a Super Food! Here are ten reasons to over-indulge 🙂

Strawberries boost immunity

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant.

Strawberries promote eye health

The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye’s cornea and retina.

Strawberries can help fight cancer

Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defence. Antioxidants are scavengers to free radicals and neutralise the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.

Strawberries keep wrinkles at bay

Vitamin C is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin.

Strawberries fight bad cholesterol

Strawberries contain powerful heart-healthy boosters (ellagic acid and flavonoids) which can counteract the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL—bad cholesterol in the blood—which causes plaque to build up in arteries.

Strawberries reduce inflammation

The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis.

Strawberries regulate blood pressure

Potassium is yet another heart-healthy nutrient, and with 134 mg per serving, strawberries are considered a “medium source”. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium.

Strawberries boost fibre

Fibre is a necessity for healthy digestion, and strawberries naturally contain about 2g per serving. Problems that can arise from lack of fibre include diverticulitis—an inflammation of the intestines. Fibre can also aid in fighting type 2 diabetes. Fibre helps slow the absorption of sugars (i.e. glucose) in the blood.

Strawberries aid in weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best defences against type 2 diabetes and heart disease, not to mention just plain good for your overall well-being. Strawberries are naturally low calorie (around 28 kCal per serving), fat-free and low in both sodium and sugar.

Strawberries promote pre-natal health

Folate is a B-vitamin recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, and strawberries are a good source with 21 mcg per serving. Folate is necessary to help in the development of the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord, and the folic acid in strawberries may help to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.

Source: Best Health Magazine