Since ancient times, strawberries have been used in Rome for medicinal purposes. They are used to reduce fever, inflammation, bad breath, kidney stones and many other ailments. Strawberries are hugely popular and very refreshing. They are very high in antioxidants and the flavonoid, which gives strawberries it color and also is filled with many nutritional benefits. 600 varieties of strawberries are available in markets across the globe.
BENEFITS
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Strawberries are very low in calories. A cup full of strawberries will have only 50 calories. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The most important vitamin found in strawberries is vitamin c. Fresh strawberries also contain fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Eating strawberries in our daily diet will show results which will amaze us.
REDUCES RISK OF HEART DISEASES
Strawberries are abundant in flavonoids. These flavonoids can reduce the risk of heart diseases considerably. The class of flavonoids present in strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties. They reduce the bad cholesterol which gets deposited in the arteries and obstructs the flow of blood. This also keeps in check the blood pressure thus, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Certain amino acids present in the blood can be damaging to the arteries. They can damage the inner lining of the arteries. Eating a cup full of strawberries three times in a week can reduce the levels of these amino acids. The high content of potassium is also beneficial for the health of the heart. Strawberries prevent the formation of clots which can obstruct the flow of blood to the heart.
STRAWBERRIES CAN PREVENT GROWTH OF CANCER
The antioxidants present in strawberries are very powerful and abundant. They are capable of removing the free radicals from the body. These free radicals are source of many diseases. They cause erosion of compounds within the body and hence lead to a number of health related issues. The antioxidants present in strawberries are known to decrease the growth of tumors that may be cancerous. These antioxidants also inhibit the increase in these tumors by decreasing the inflammation caused by them.
STRAWBERRIES KEEP YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK
The increase in blood pressure is usually attributed to a diet rich in sodium. Everyone knows that if our diet does not have adequate amounts of potassium we are at risk of developing high blood pressure. Strawberries are a big storehouse of potassium. If we include a cup full of strawberries in our daily diet, we will receive an adequate amount of potassium required by your body.
GOOD FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM DIABETES
Strawberries are recommended for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. They help to keep our sugar levels low as the gycemic index of strawberries is very less. Strawberries can help diabetic patients by preventing extremes of increase or decrease in sugar levels. They also prevent the damage to kidneys and neurons in the brain due to high levels of sugar in the blood. Eating strawberries daily will have amazing health benefits to those suffering from diabetes. Even if we are healthy we can prevent rise in your sugar levels by eating strawberries.
PREVENTS CONSTIPATION
The main reason behind constipation is a diet poor in fiber and low in water content. To prevent this, we need to change your eating habits. Switching to a diet rich in fiber and high water content can prevent constipation. Consuming a cup full of strawberries can provide we with fiber and keeps you hydrated as well. This will add bulk to the waste material in your intestine and free us from the problem of constipation.
PREVENTS ALLERGIES
Strawberries have shown consistently that they have many anti-inflammatory properties. These are useful in preventing many health conditions. Eating strawberries will also decrease the symptoms of cold and flu. It relieves symptoms of allergies like running nose and watery eyes. Even in allergies like hives we can see reduction of symptoms after eating strawberries. This is attributed to flavonoids and vitamin c.