We sourced the mighty, all informative internet and heaps of books till we were dizzy to find the top ten health benifits of strawberries for our website. These have been sourced from various places and, whilst we agree with them as we love strawberries...these facts are the opinion of others and we cannot guarentee they work...it's only GOOGLE Gospel..
Whether fresh or frozen, there is no denying that strawberries are a popular fruit, but they are also packed with a healthy punch. Read below the ten suprisingly health benifits of the almighty but little strawberry.
1. Add more strawberries to your diet
If you are not already a fan of strawberries, you should be. Not only are they juicy, summery and delicious, they are a bona fide superfood too. Nutrient rich and packed with anti oxidents (like vitamin C) strawberries offer a wide range of health benifits, some of which may suprise you. (Wrinkle prevention?? yes please) This is the first good reason to eat strawberries....THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
2. Strawberries boost immunity
"Strawberries are and excellennt source of Vitamin C," says Toronto based registered dietician Madeliene Edwards. Most mammals, except for humans, have the ability to produce Vitmin C naturally, which is why its so important to get your daily requirement. One serving of strawberries contain 51.5 mg of vitamin c, about half your daily requirement. Edwards say " if you double the serving to one cup, you get 100 percent." Vitamin C is a well known immune booster, as well as a powerful, fast working anti oxident. A 2010 UCLA study discovered that the antioxident power in strawberries becomes bioavailable, or "ready to work in the blood" after eating the fruit for just a few weeks.
3. Strawberries promote eye health.
The antioxident qualities in strawberries may also prevent cataracts-the clouding over of the eye lens, which can lead to blindness in older age. 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 a vital role in strengthening the eyes cornea and retina. Whilst high doses Vitamin C have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over the age of 65, researchers from the Karolinska Institute on Stockholm note that the risk pertains to vitamin c obtained from supplements and not the Vitamin C found in fruit and vegetable.
4. Strawberries help fight Cancer
Vitamin C is one of the anti oxidents that can help with Cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the bodies best defence. A phytochemical called ellagic acid, also found in strawberries, is another. "Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth," says Edwards. "Strawberries also contain antioxidents lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidents are scavengers to free radicals and neutralize the potential negative effect they can have on our cells," she says.
5. Strawberries keep wrinkles at bay (our favourite)
The power of vitamin C continues, as it 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. But vitamin C isnt the only naturally occuring wrinkle fighter found in strawberries. Researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Kerea conclude that ellagic acid visibly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response-two major factors in the development of wrinkles- in human skin cells, after continued exposure to skin damaging UV-B rays.
6.Strawberries fight bad choloesterol
According to the heart & Stroke foundation, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death amongst woman (in this case Canada). Luckily, strawberries also contain powerful heart health boosters. "Ellagic acid and flavonoids- or phytochemicals- can provide an antioxident effect that can benifit heart health in various ways," explains Edwards. "One way of counteracting the effect of low density lipoprotein, or LDL-bad choloesterol in the blood-which causes plaque to build up in arteries. A second way is that they provide an anti inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart." Researchers at the Clinical and Nutritional and Rick Modification Centre in Toronto studied the effect of strawberries on a cholesterol lowering die and concluded that adding strawberries to the dit reduced oxidative damage, as well as blood liped - both of which play a role in heart disease and diabetes.
7. Strawberries reduce inflammation
The anti oxidents and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public health shows that woman who eat 16 or more strawberries per week are 14% less likely to have elevated levels of C reactive protein (CRP)- an indication of inflammation in the body.
8. Strawberries regulate blood pressure
Potassium is yet another heart healthy nutrient and, with 134 mg per serving, strawberries are considered a "medium" source according to Alberta health Services. 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. With their impact on the reduction of LDL, inflammation and high blood pressure, strawberries have earned the title of one of the most heart-healthy fruits you can eat.
9. Strawberries boost fibre
Fibre is a necessity for healthy digestion, and strawberries containabout 2g per serving. Problems that can arise from lack of fibre include constipation and diverticulitis-and inflammation of the intestines which affects over 50% of people of 60. Fibre can also aid in fighting type 2 diabetes. "Fibre helps slow the absorbption of sugars (ie: glucose) in the blood" says Edwards. "As a result,adults that are managing diabetes can enjoy strawberries- in moderation- in their diet."
10. Strawberies 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 well being. "Strawberries are naturally low calorie (around 28kcal per serving), fat free and low in both sodium and sugar," says Edwards." "Strawberries do contain natural sugars-though total sugars are fairly low with 4 grams per serving- and the total carbohydrate content is equivalent to less than a half a slice of bread. Triple your serving to 1.5 cups and you'll have a snack that is less that 100 calories-much healthier than those pre packaged 100 calorie snacks
Journalist Alicia Cox
Reader's Digest Better Health
