Learn the Health Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries
Strawberries are one of very few foods that are sweet in taste, low in fat, and high in healthy nutrients.
Despite their sweet taste, strawberries have a very low glycemic index of 40, meaning the sugars they contain are absorbed slowly (thus preventing blood sugar levels from going out of control).
One cup of fresh strawberries (about 8-10) has 43 calories and 136% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of dietary fiber and iodine, and a good source of potassium, folate, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin K, magnesium, and copper.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Cancer
Strawberries contain many cancer-fighting compounds that can help lower ones risk of developing cancer.
According to researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, and Lund University, extracts from strawberries inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells by 37.9% and colon cancer cells by 49.7%. Organically grown strawberries inhibited breast cancer cells by 53.1% and colon cancer cells by 60%.
Inflammation
Ellagic acid, a compound found in strawberries, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in the prevention of atherosclerosis (arterial plaque that can lead to heart disease and stroke).
Anti-inflammatory properties in strawberries can lessen activity of cyclo-oxygenase, an enzyme that contributes to inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) work by blocking this enzyme when treating conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other
Strawberry extract can slow a decline in cognitive function related to aging according to researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
Strawberries can help decrease bad cholesterol and reduce oxidative damage to bad cholesterol according to researchers at the University of Toronto.
Eating strawberries may help repair skin damage and prevent wrinkles caused by the sun.
Consuming 3 or more fruits (like strawberries) a day may lower an individuals risk of macular degeneration eye disease by 36% according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
Enjoy the health benefits of strawberries with this delicious smoothie:
Combine 4 large fresh strawberries, 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup of milk, and 5 ice cubes in a blender. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/95118988@N00/528670134
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This post is part of the series: Other Healthy Fruits
Health benefits of fruits.