Amazing Benefits Of Strawberries

The Health Benefits Of Strawberries

The antioxidants and polyphenols in these berries support heart health and prevent various forms of cancer. And so does the vitamin C these berries contain – which even contributes to skin and hair health. The fiber these berries are replete with aids digestion and even helps in weight loss. 

1. Protect The Heart

The abundance of antioxidants and polyphenols in strawberries make them the ideal food to protect your heart from ailments. Strawberries contain anthocyanins (the antioxidants responsible for their red hue), which protect the lining of the circulatory system, thereby shielding the arteries from plaque build-up and regulating the blood pressure .
According to a cardiologist , women who consumed three or more servings of berries (especially strawberries) every week had reduced their risk of heart attack by a third.

2. Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, and this, along with the antioxidants, helps in slowing down the digestion of starchy foods. This controls the rise in blood sugar levels post a starchy meal. It also helps individuals with type-2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check.
Strawberries also have a low glycemic index (40), which means they are unlikely to cause sharp sugar spikes when taken by diabetics.
The fiber in strawberries can also help regulate blood sugar levels.

3. Help Fight Cancer

Strawberries are exceptionally good sources of vitamin C and fiber, both of which have been found to protect from cancers of the esophagus and colon. The anticancer properties of strawberries, according to the  Cancer Researchers, can be attributed to the presence of ellagic acid – a phytochemical that can prevent cancers of the skin, lung, bladder, and breast .
Ellagic acid acts as an anticancer agent in several ways – it acts as an antioxidant, slows down the production of cancer cells, and helps the body destroy certain types of carcinogens.

4. Boost Immunity

Strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. In fact, a single serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C has been found to trigger immune-boosting antibodies, which ultimately enhance your body’s ability to fight infections .
In one study, it had been found that supplementation of vitamin C had improved the various components of the immune system .
According to research , supplementation of vitamin C increased the concentration of immunoglobulin, which is an antibody and a key component of the immune system. Strawberries are also known to fight allergies and asthma.

5. Regulate Blood Pressure

As already mentioned, strawberries contain anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that relax the lining of the blood vessels and open them up, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Strawberries are also rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps control blood pressure .

6. Improve Brain Health

The credit goes to the antioxidants, again. Strawberries, with their high content of antioxidants, protect the brain cells from damage due to free radicals. They also change the way the neurons in the brain communicate with each other. This ultimately leads to improved brain health.
A study has revealed that intake of strawberries can delay memory decline in older women over time. This benefit can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids in strawberries. Also, it was found that an increased intake of anthocyanidins helped in slowing down memory decline.
According to the studies conducted by researchers , a majority of brain diseases (including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) are caused due to an increase in the amount of a particular toxic protein. But the consumption of strawberries has been found to promote the brain’s natural housekeeping mechanism (also called autophagy), thereby reducing the accumulation of this protein .

7. Fight Inflammation

Strawberries contain quercetin, and according to a study, intake of quercetin, along with regular exercise, can reduce atherosclerosis plaque formation .
Strawberries are also rich in vitamin C, which plays a major role in preventing inflammation. This vitamin also plays a role in easing the symptoms of arthritis and gout.
It has been found that high levels of C-reactive protein (or CRP) can signal increasing levels of inflammation in the body. According to researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, women who consumed 16 or more strawberries every week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of this protein .

8. Fight Cholesterol

Strawberries are known to contain pectin, which is a type of soluble fiber that lowers the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body.
According to a  study, several types of soluble fiber, including pectin, have shown to lower the levels of LDL.
As per an analysis carried out together by scientists, a team of 23 healthy volunteers that had consumed 500 grams of strawberries regularly for a month saw a decrease in the LDL levels.
Another  study showed the efficacy of strawberries in reducing oxidative damage and bad cholesterol .

9. Improve Vision Health

Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants that were found to prevent cataract, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases .
According to the researchers , vitamin C can increase the functioning and life of the retinal cells.

10. Aid Weight Loss

The ellagic acid and antioxidants are what play a major role in making strawberries ideal for losing weight.
Chronic inflammation is one of the causes of weight gain since it blocks the hormones that make you lean. Strawberry, being an amazing anti-inflammatory food, restores the functionalities of weight-reducing hormones.
In addition, anthocyanins, the master antioxidants, increase the body’s production of a hormone called adiponectin. This hormone promotes metabolism and suppresses your appetite. It might also induce fat burn.

11. Support Healthy Pregnancy

Strawberries are a rich source of folate. You get about 40 micrograms of folate from one cup of raw strawberries. This is about 10 percent of the recommended daily intake. According to research, folate is important during pregnancy as it can prevent neural tube defects. It is also important for the mother’s health.

12. Improve Bone Health

Though we don’t have much research on this, the vitamin K, potassium, and manganese in strawberries might improve bone health to a certain extent.

13. Help Treat Constipation

Given that strawberries are rich in fiber, they can help treat constipation. The fiber in the fruit can also relieve other digestive issues like gas and bloating.

14. Keep Teeth Healthy

Strawberries contain malic acid, which acts as an astringent and removes tooth discoloration. This means you can use this fruit to whiten your teeth. You simply can crush the strawberry to a pulp and mix with baking soda until you obtain a smooth blend. Using a soft toothbrush, spread the mixture on your teeth. Leave it on for 5 minutes, brush thoroughly with toothpaste and then rinse.
Don’t overdo it, though – as the acid in the fruit might damage your enamel.

15. Treat Puffy Eyes

Strawberries contain amazing astringent properties that help treat puffy eyes. They also contain alpha hydroxy acid, which makes the skin look smooth and young .
You just need a couple of strawberries for this purpose. Refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. After that, remove their tops and cut them into thick slices. Place the slices over your face and leave them on for about 15 minutes. Remove them and wash your face with cold water. You can do this every night before going to bed.

16. Have Anti-Aging Properties

The powerful antioxidants need to be given credit, again! These protect our body from oxidative damage and stall the signs of aging (wrinkles, sagging skin, fine lines, etc.).
Strawberries contain a higher amount of vitamin C than oranges or grapefruit. This nutrient fights free radicals, which were found to damage cells and break down collagen (resulting in fine lines).
They are also great sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that plays a prominent role in staving off the signs of aging. The anthocyanins present in strawberries protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby slowing down aging .

17. Improve Skin Health

Strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy acid, which is an important substance that helps eliminate dead skin cells and cleanses the skin in the process.
According to a study, treatments with alpha hydroxy acids have been found to reverse signs of aging. And in another study, alpha hydroxy acid agents were proven to improve and rejuvenate photo-damaged skin.
The strawberry fruit also contains salicylic acid and ellagic acid, which are known for reducing hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Salicylic acid is also known for removing dead cells from the skin and tightening the skin pores to prevent further acne breakouts.
Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which can cleanse the skin and keep it healthy. The berries have other skin benefits too – they improve your complexion, tone and soothe irritated skin, and offer protection from UV radiation.
You can simply mix strawberry paste with some honey and apply to your face every morning. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and wash with cold water. You can replace honey with rose water as well. Or even add milk to the recipe. All these ingredients work wonders in improving skin health.

18. Prevent Hair Fall

As already discussed, strawberries are great sources of vitamin C – a nutrient that encourages iron absorption and promotes hair growth. It has also been found that a deficiency of this nutrient can lead to split ends . The vitamin can also treat dandruff.
Strawberries are also loaded with silica, which is known to prevent baldness and help in hair growth.
You can prepare a strawberry hair mask that can help you deal with your hair problems. Mix strawberry paste (2 berries) with extra virgin coconut oil and honey (1 tablespoon each). Apply to your scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes, post which you can wash your hair with cold water. This must be done on a clean scalp, usually in the mornings after your bath. This mask also prevents scalp fungal growth – the magnesium in the berries takes care of this problem.

19. Have Benefits For Men

The antioxidants in strawberries benefit your heart and arteries – both of which enhance circulation, which is crucial for a healthy sex life. The vitamin C in the berries also result in higher sperm count in men.
 

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