Why Strawberries Are a Super fruit Rich in Nutrients.

Why Strawberries Are a Super fruit Rich in Nutrients: What You Need To Know About Strawberries.

Strawberries don’t taste good but they’re also high in nutrients and health, and it’s one of the most popular fruits in the world. Strawberries can be enjoyed raw, diluted into smoothies or added to a dessert and they’re a versatile, nutritious way to improve your health. A closer look into the wonders of this berry red and why you should start taking it into your diet.

1. Aimed at Nutrients and Low Calories!
The main benefit of strawberries is their nutrition content. Strawberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 1 cup (150g) strawberries contain:

Vitamin C: Strawberries contain plenty of vitamin C, which is beneficial for immune system and skin health.

Vitamin C: Balances blood pressure, fluid balance, heart health.

Manganese: Manganese is involved in bone, collagen and enzyme activity.

Folate: The vitamin needed to keep the brain functioning properly is crucial especially for the pregnant woman.

Regardless of its super nutrition, strawberries have very few calories. A cup of strawberries is only around 50 calories, so they’re an ideal snack if you’re trying to slim down but don’t want to sacrifice taste or health.

2. Powerful Antioxidant Actions: 
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Such antioxidants fight off free radicals, which are oxidative stressors that damage cells. Strawberries can reduce oxidative stress, which can prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Anthocyanins: The substances which are what make strawberries red are proving to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and lowering inflammation.
Ellagic Acid: It’s also present in strawberries, both the seeds and the flesh. Ellagic acid is an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compound.

3. Improves Heart Health.
Heart disease is the leading killer in the world, and strawberries can make you less at risk. Research suggests that strawberries, eaten regularly, are great for the heart. They may:

Minimize LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and artery plaque.
Maintain blood pressure due to their potassium.
Absorb inflammation and oxidative stress that lead to heart disease.
In a study in the Journal of Nutrition, women who ate three or more servings of strawberries a week had a lower risk of heart attack than women who ate fewer.

4. Skin Health Supports.
The strawberries are also a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that’s crucial for collagen. A protein called collagen keeps your skin soft, elastic, and nourished. Consuming strawberries may be a solution:

Reduce wrinkles by encouraging the production of collagen.
They also shield skin from the sun as they contain many antioxidants.
Whiten your skin and diminish dark spots with vitamin C.
Strawberry extracts are also used in skincare products, which helps to heal your skin.

5. Helps Blood Sugar levels to stabilize.
Strawberry also has natural sugars, but is low GI (glycemic index), so it won’t raise blood sugar. Which means that strawberries are a good food for those with diabetes or blood sugar problems.

Additionally, there is evidence that strawberries’ polyphenols might boost insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to control blood sugar. In one study in the British Journal of Nutrition, strawberries helped decrease after-meal spikes in blood sugar.

6. Enhances Brain Function.
As we age, cognitive decline can be the main issue that arises for many of us. Fortunately, strawberries also contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that could prevent the brain from deteriorating and boost brain function. According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology, strawberries prolong cognitive decline by 2.5 years.

Anthocyanins and flavonoids in strawberries appear to account for this brain-boosting property, which aids memory and synchrony.

7. Helps Digestive Function Supports Kidney Health
The strawberries are also high in dietary fiber, which helps in a healthy gut. A lot of fiber will:

Keep yourself free from constipation and bowel movement.
Keep gut healthy by giving good gut bacteria food.
Aid in weight loss by creating a sense of fullness.
Strawberries are also high in fiber, which helps control your blood sugar, which makes them a great choice for those that are looking to have stable energy during the day.

8. Can Improve Weight Loss.
Due to their low calories and high fiber content, strawberries can be a good option in a weight loss program. Strawberry fiber is what keeps you fuller longer so you’re not eating as much and you won’t snack on junk food as frequently. In addition, strawberry’s natural sweetness can help curb your sugar cravings, and they are an excellent replacement for refined sugary treats.

Concluding thought.
And strawberries aren’t just a sweet, tasty fruit: they’re a superfood with an array of health benefits. Strawberries have powerful nutritional benefits for your heart, digestion, skin and brain. So, fresh or frozen, mixed into your favorite dishes, there are innumerable ways you can take advantage of this amazing fruit.

Citations
A. Basu, & T J Lyons. (2012). Berries, blueberries and cranberries and the metabolic syndrome: Medical approaches. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(23), 5681-5687.
Cassidy, A., Mukamal, K. J., Liu, L., Franz, M., Eliassen, A H., & Rimm, E B. (2013). Consuming anthocyanin at a high dose reduced the likelihood of myocardial infarction in young and middle-aged women. Circulation, 127(2), 188-196.
Devore, E. E., Kang, J H., Breteler, M M., & Grodstein, F. (2012). Consumption of berries and flavonoids, and cognitive decline. Annals of Neurology, 72(1):135-143.
Giampieri, F., Tulipani, S., Alvarez-Suarez, J M., Quiles, J L., Mezzetti, B., & Battino, M. (2012). The strawberry: Structure, content, and effects on human health. Nutrition, 28(1): 9-19.
Thanks to the strawberry health benefits, you can have that delicious taste of strawberry and still maintain better health.