Strawberries have been grown since the Roman Empire and are cultivated now worldwide. Since everybody loves the juice sweet aroma, there are a millions of pastry recipes out there, they are used in foods, beverages, perfumes and cosmetics, but also acknowledged for their wellness and health benefits.
These are 10 Benefits of fresh Strawberries:
1.) BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Only 3 oz of ripe fruit will add 70-97% to your daily Vitamin C levels. A 2010 UCLA study discovered that the antioxidant power in strawberries becomes “bioavailable” after eating the fruit for just a few days.
2.) A NATURAL SOURCE OF VITAMIN C FOR HEALTHY EYES
Our eyes require Vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun’s 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.
Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm conducted a study that noted that high doses of vitamin C from supplements have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over 65, the risk pertains to vitamin C obtained from supplements ONLY, not the vitamin C from vegetables and fruits, such as Strawberries.
3.) INFLAMMATION, ARTHRITIS AND CRP
Not only are strawberries delicious, they also may lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. High CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and levels often spike when people with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus have a flare, as well.
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health studying the value of strawberries found that women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely than non-strawberry eaters to have elevated levels of the protein.
4.) GLOWING YOUNG LOOKING SKIN
A phytochemical called ellagic acid has been shown great results in mitigating wrinkles and reducing inflammation associated with chronic UV exposure leading to photoageing. Ellagic Acid can be found in Strawberries.
One way includes counteracting the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL—bad cholesterol 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 Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto studied the effect of strawberries on a cholesterol-lowering diet and concluded that adding strawberries to the diet reduced oxidative damage, as well as blood lipids—both of which play a role in heart disease and diabetes.
6.) FIGHTING CANCER
The phytochemical, ellagic acid has shown the ability to prevent cancers of the skin, bladder, lung, esophagus and breast. Research suggests that ellagic acid seems to utilize several different cancer-fighting methods at once: it acts as an antioxidant, it helps the body deactivate specific carcinogens and it helps slow the reproduction of cancer cells.
Strawberries also contain a wide range of phytochemicals, called flavonoids, each of which seems to employ a similar array of anti-cancer strategies.
7.) DIABETES AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Some diabetes patients shy away from strawberries because of their sweetness. But a cup of strawberries is low in calories, low in carbs and has a good amount of fiber.
A high antioxidant intake from vegetables and fruits, such as strawberries, could help prevent diabetes according to a study published in 2003 in the journal “Diabetes.” Even if you are already diagnosed with diabetes, increasing your antioxidant intake by adding strawberries to your diet may help prevent the common complications associated with diabetes, especially cardiovascular diseases.
8.) WEIGHT LOSS
According to the Fat Resistance Diet, strawberries promote the production of the hormone adiponectin and leptin, both of which are fat-burning hormones and metabolic hormones. They can slow the rate of digestion of starchy foods. This helps control the rise in blood sugar that follows a starchy meal. With a healthy, well-balanced diet and adequate exercise, strawberries can help you reach your goal weight easily. Anti-inflammatory enzymes can take care of internal injuries or even tissue damage, thus allowing you to do the exercise you need to lose weight and remain healthy.
9.) STRAWBERRIES DURING PREGNANCY
Strawberries are rich in in folate, which is a B vitamin. Folates are necessary in the early stages of pregnancy – assisting the development of the baby’s brain, skull, and spinal cord. The Vitamin C will boost mother’s immune system. Magnesium can improve your skin’s elasticity, which helps prevent stretch marks from forming.
10.) WHITE TEETH and CLEAN GUMS
Mash up 1-2 fresh ripe strawberries and brush your teeth with the berry paste. Don’t be fooled by the read color, the fruit will leave your teeth white and shiny, remove surface stains and the Vitamin C cleans away plaque. The pH will balance to alkalinity, which promotes healthy gums, good breath and clean saliva. Consistency will bring the best result.