Apart from their delicious taste, strawberries offer an abundance of health and wellness benefits. As a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, strawberries can benefit your health in the following ways.
IMPROVES IMMUNE FUNCTIONING
Just one serving of strawberries offers about 150 percent of the body’s daily vitamin C requirement. This is essential for helping the body fight off infection and disease, from the common cold to the flu. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage healthy DNA.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
Strawberries are an excellent source of potassium, which counters the effects of sodium in the body and reduces blood pressure. In addition to battling hypertension and related cardiovascular disease, a diet rich in potassium can help lower mortality risk in general.
TREATS SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS AND GOUT
Free radicals contribute to the inflammation and deterioration of the muscles and tissues of the body. As a result, the joints don’t function as they should and harmful toxins build-up, causing conditions like arthritis and gout. The antioxidants in strawberries help detoxify the body and reduce inflammation.
OFFERS PROTECTION AGAINST CANCER
Special components found in strawberries called flavonoids have the power to fight cancer and oxidative stress. These flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and kaempferol act as a defensive line against the development of cancer and tumors.
PROMOTES HEALTHY EYESIGHT
The presence of flavonoids, ellagic acid, and phenolic phytochemicals in strawberries reduces one’s risk of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration. These antioxidant compounds scavenge and trap free radicals, preventing them from damaging healthy ocular structures.
REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR
Strawberries are relatively low on the glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause extreme spikes in blood sugar after consumption. The dietary fiber provided by strawberries also helps regulate glucose, too. Making strawberries a part of a balanced diet can reduce one’s risk of diabetes or improve existing diabetes symptoms.
LOWERS RISK OF STROKE
The abundance of antioxidants in strawberries also offers protection against stroke by preventing the formation of blood clots. In addition, the potassium in strawberries acts as a vasodilator that improves the flow of blood to the brain, reducing one’s risk of stroke.
HELPS REGULATE MOOD
These bright red berries also benefit your emotional and mental functioning. The seeds of strawberries contain the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which has been proven to improve mood. Surprisingly, the mood-enhancing advantages of ALA is comparable to the mood-stabilizing effects of the commonly prescribed drug valproic acid.
ALLEVIATES ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Since strawberries deliver immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, they are a great weapon against allergies. They contain a special anti-allergy flavonoid called fisetin, which helps the body’s immune cells control inflammatory reactions to allergens.
PROMOTES SKIN VITALITY
The vitamin C in strawberries is used by the body to produce collagen, a protein essential to skin health. A healthy supply of collagen helps skin stay soft and springy while also repairing damaged skin cells. In addition, vitamin C serves as a free radical-scavenger, fighting the development of skin cancer and premature aging.
Easy ways to include more strawberries – and their tops – in your diet:
Add both to smoothies.
Make strawberry leaf tea using the stalks and leaves. Leave both to brew for a few minutes in boiling water.
Create your own salad dressing by soaking the berries, including the tops, in balsamic vinegar for at least 48 hours.
Infuse your drinking water by dropping sliced strawberries and their leaves into your jug or bottle.
Whizz up your strawberries in a blender to create a compote that can be used as a breakfast topping.