Strawberries are one of the fruits with highest water content. We are surrounded by natural health foods that we see every day but are unaware about. Strawberries belong to this category of foods that everyone knows about but does not the health benefits the fruit can provide. After reading this article, you will surely include a large portion of strawberries in your daily diet. From an improved eye sight to reduced risk of heart disease, strawberries benefit every part of your body. Here is a list of the 10 health benefits of strawberries.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
1. Eye Care
Most problems of the eyes are caused due to oxidants and free radicals, both of which can be prevented using natural means and healthy foods. Most common problems of the eye include dry eyes, degeneration of the optical nerves, macular degeneration, vision defects and increased susceptibility to infections. The chance of these conditions occurring increases with age which makes it all the more important to eat healthily. Strawberries contain antioxidants like flavonoids, phenolic phytochemicals and ellagic acid which retard the action of oxidants and prevent free radicals from forming. Potassium is also one of the main health benefits of strawberries also helps regulate ocular pressure.
2. Immune System
The immune system is the body’s way to counteract any foreign particles and organisms that may enter the body and a strong immune system means lesser infections. One of the main nutrients required for the healthy functioning of the immune system is Vitamin C which is available in abundance in strawberries. A single serving of strawberries contains 150% of the recommended amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps is cell regeneration, acts as an antioxidant and helps in recovery after an illness. Also, read about healthy foods in the world.
3. Cancer
Some studies show that cancer growth is linked to the formation of free radicals in the body which can be prevented by regular intake of antioxidants. The health benefits of strawberries come from the fact that strawberries contain many such compounds like Vitamin-C, folate, anthocyanins, quercetin, and kaempferol which prevent the formation of free radical and reduce the metastasis of cancer cells. It has also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer since some factors that trigger the cancerous growth of cells – carcinogens – are reduced with a daily intake of strawberries. Also, read about health benefits of cherries.
4. Arthritis and Gout
Arthritis and gout are conditions that affect joints and usually occur in old age due to drying up of synovial fluid (fluid present in joints to increase mobility) and weakening of tendons and muscles. It is also aggravated due to the accumulation of acids like uric in the spaces between joints. Strawberries, with their many anti oxidants, help prevent or delay these diseases. Another major symptom of these diseases is inflammation of the joints which is also relieved by strawberries. Also, read about health benefits of aloe vera.
5. Brain Function
Like eyesight, brain function too declines with age and may result in deteriorating memory and loss of control over the limbs. This is caused in part due to oxidants in the blood and strawberries, being rich in antioxidants help delay these changes in the brain. In addition to this, the high concentration of potassium in strawberries help increase blood flow to the brain and keep it healthy and oxygenated. Potassium has also been linked to better memory in several studies.
6. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is mainly caused due to constricted and rigid blood vessels as well as a lack of nutrients like potassium and magnesium. Strawberries are rich in both these compounds and so help regulate blood flow. Potassium is a vasodilator which means that it facilitates the enlargement of blood vessels and so increases flow and reduces blood pressure. These two compounds are mainly responsible for providing the health benefits of strawberries.Also, please read about superfoods for a healthy heart.
7. Heart Disease
Strawberries are the ultimate heart health pack. They have High fiber content, folate, no fats, and high levels of antioxidants such as vitamin-C and other phytochemicals, all of which help to reduce the risk of heart disease. These chemicals regulate blood flow, keep heart muscles healthy, prevent the accumulation of fats and cholesterols and keep the heart healthy. This is one of the main health benefits of strawberries.
8. Weight Loss
Since strawberries contain a lot of water, almost no fats, healthy sugars and various other nutrients that stimulate metabolism, they are the ultimate fruit for your weight loss diet. Strawberries are widely recommended by dieticians as a healthy way to lose weight without starving yourself. Having even large quantities of strawberries will lead to only a small intake of carbohydrates – which are the main cause of weight gain. Moreover, since strawberries have large quantities of water, it does not lead to any kind of increase of fat in the body.
9. Birth Defects
Birth defects refer to defects and deformities in new born babies that occur due to various factors. One such factor is improper nutrition of the mother during pregnancy which leads to the improper development of the baby. Strawberries have a high concentration of folic acid, which is one of the most important nutrients to be consumed during pregnancy. This is one of the main health benefits of strawberries for expecting mothers and should be on every pregnant woman’s diet.
10. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation in the body is caused due to many factors ranging from injury to infection or even an improper diet. Strawberries, which are rich in antioxidants help in reducing inflammations and also reduce the associated pain. Although inflammations caused due to serious injury need to be immediately treated, some chronic conditions like arthritis also cause inflammation which can be relieved by a healthy diet and lots of strawberries.
How many of these amazing health benefits of strawberries did you know about? After reading this article, you must be convinced that at least one serving of strawberries in your daily diet is a necessity if you want a healthy and long life. The next time you have the craving for something sweet, be sure to pick up a box of strawberries instead of biscuits and take the first step towards a healthy life. Also, read about health benefits of grapefruits.
