Health Benefits of strawberry

“Strawberries are the angels of the earth, innocent & sweet with green leafy wings reaching heavenward.” – Jasmine Heiler.

The Strawberry is called ‘the queen of fruits” In Asian countries because it’s packed with health benefits. These juicy heart-shaped delights have much more to offer beyond sweetness and flavor.

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10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES

1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)

2. Boost short term memory
The anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)

3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.

4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)

5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.

6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.

7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. 

9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.

10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)

Fun and Interesting Facts about Strawberries

• Folklore states that if you split a double strawberry in half and share it with the opposite sex, you’ll soon fall in love.
• There are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor, size and texture.
• Strawberry designs are carved in medieval stone masons as the sign of perfection and righteousness. These designs are often carved on altars or around the top pillars in cathedrals and churches.
• The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, because it’s often heart-shaped and has a rich, red color.
• Madame Tallien, known as the pronounced figure at the court of Emperor Napoleon, was popular for bathing in the strawberry juice of 22 pounds of strawberries.
• Legend has been told that strawberries were named by English children who picked, strung it on grass straws and sold them as “straws of berries.”
• Strawberries belong to the family of rose, along with apples and plums.
• Strawberries are not classified as berries. Blueberries and raspberries have seeds inside while strawberries have their seeds outside.
• Strawberries were once thought to be an aphrodisiac and were served in soups to newlyweds in 13th century France.
• Ancient Romans used strawberries to alleviate symptoms of fainting, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, halitosis, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.
• At Wimbledon each year, strawberries and cream are eaten between tennis matches by properly attired English.

Boosts your immunity

Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which helps boost your immunity and protects you from infections. Just one cup of strawberries meets 100% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. This alone makes it a fruit that you should not miss out on, specially during the strawberry season.

Prevents heart disease 

Shaped like a heart, strawberries have nutrients like flavonoids and antioxidants which prevent the buildup of bad cholesterol which can clog your arteries. Additionally, these nutrients have anti-inflammation properties which is good for the heart.

Prevents constipation and diabetes 

When you have constipation, it is important that you consume fibre in order to clear your bowel movements. Also, fibre helps regulate your blood sugar levels making it a great food for diabetics and those who want to prevent diabetes alike. Strawberries have a lowly glycemic index of 40, which means diabetics can consume it without worrying too much.

Fights cancer 

Like most fruits and vegetables, strawberries too are high in antioxidants which help in fighting cancer. In particular, strawberries have antioxidants like lutein and zeathanacins which suppresses the growth of cancer cells.  What more? The high Vitamin C content boosts your immunity and makes your body more capable of fighting cancer cells.

Good for your skin 

When you age, your skin and other body parts suffer from damage due to free radicals. This process is similar to the process of a metal rusting due to exposure to air. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in strawberries can help slow down this process and keep your skin wrinkle-free for longer.

Helps you lose weight

Strawberries are extremely low in calories, with a cup having just 53 calories. Also, they have fibre which can leave you feeling fuller if you have them before a meal. Not only this, the high Vitamin C content help boost your metabolism which helps your body burn the calories faster.

Great for pregnant woman 

Pregnant women are often confused as to what they should eat during pregnancy that’ll both be good for them and the baby. Folate present in rich quantities in strawberries helps in the baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord development. In addition, it also has folic acid which can save the child from having certain birth defects.

Great for your bones 

Strawberries have nutrients like manganese, potassium and some minerals that not only help promote bone growth, but also helps keep them in mint condition. These properties also make strawberry a good fruit for growing children.

Prevents hair loss 

Hair loss can be quite a depressing condition for anyone. Folic acid, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and ellagic acid present in strawberries helps prevent your hair from falling and thinning. Furthermore, minerals like copper and magnesium helps prevent dandruff and fungal growth on your scalp. If that wasn’t enough, many home made packs can be made using strawberries that’ll add shine and glow to your hair.

Boosts memory

Fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid present in strawberries helps enhance memory by stimulating the signaling pathways. A research published in Annals of Neurology also proved that eating 2 or more servings of strawberries per week can delay memory decline in ageing women. 

Nutrition Information

Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA
Energy	32 Kcal	1.5%
Carbohydrates	7.7 g	6%
Protein	0.67 g	0.1%
Total Fat	0.30 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.0 g	5%
Vitamins
Folates	24 µg	6%
Niacin	0.386 mg	2.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.125 mg	2.5%
Pyridoxine	0.047 mg	3.5%
Riboflavin	0.022 mg	2%
Vitamin A	12 IU	0.5%
Vitamin C	58.8 mg	98%
Vitamin E	0.29 mg	2%
Vitamin K	2.2 µg	2%
Electrolytes
Sodium	1 mg	0%
Potassium	153 mg	3%
Minerals
Calcium	16 mg	1.6%
Iron	0.41 mg	5%
Magnesium	13 mg	3%
Manganese	0.386 mg	17%
Zinc	0.14 mg	1%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	7 µg	--
Lutein-zeaxanthin	26 µg	--