5 Health Benefits of Strawberries That May Surprise You

Strawberries are coming into season and I cannot wait to take advantage of their availability. In addition to being gorgeous and delicious, strawberries are incredibly versatile. These ruby gems are also potent health protectors. Here are some of their impressive benefits and simple ways to incorporate strawberries into meals, snacks, and treats.

One cup of whole strawberries provides just 46 calories. The same portion sliced contains 53 calories; and a cup of pureed berries packs only 74 calories.

Vitamins in strawberries

A one-cup portion of strawberries contains over 100% of the daily minimum target for immune-supporting vitamin C. In addition to functioning as a disease- and age-fighting antioxidant, vitamin C helps make collagen and maintain skin health.

Strawberries are also rich in other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. This is one reason why berries, including strawberries, are tied to brain health. In one study, older women who consumed at least one to two servings of strawberries (with one serving being eight whole berries) per week experienced a reduced loss of cognitive functioning.

What are strawberries good for?

Eating strawberries at the end of a meal has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. That translates to steadier mental and physical energy. It may also help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Good-for-you plant compounds, called flavonoids, in strawberries are tied to a reduced risk of age-related weight gain. The effect may be due to flavonoids’ ability to increase glucose uptake in muscle, and/or decrease glucose uptake in fat tissue.

They promote skin and bone health

One cup of strawberries provides nearly a quarter of the daily goal for manganese, a mineral that helps produce collagen and promote skin and bone health.

And boost digestive health

The fiber in strawberries (about 3 grams per cup) helps maintain good digestive health by supporting the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which are tied to immunity, anti-inflammation, and mood.

Strawberries fight inflammation

In people with osteoarthritis, strawberries have been shown to help reduce pain and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress—an imbalance between the production of cell-damaging free radicals and the body’s ability to counter their harmful effects.

They may help reduce cancer risk

Berries, including strawberries, have also been tied to cancer protection, possibly by fighting tumor formation and stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.

They’re heart healthy

Strawberries protect the heart by reducing inflammation, boosting good HDL cholesterol, protecting against the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol (a precursor to artery hardening), and improving circulation.

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Reddit
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

READ NEXT

10 Ways to Ease Your Back Pain

Lower back pain, also called lumbago, is not a disorder. It’s a symptom of several types of medical problems. It usually results from a problem with one or more parts

7 Superfoods That Keep You Hydrated All Day Long

Cucumber Water content: 96.7% This summer veggie—which has the highest water content of any solid food—is perfect in salads, or sliced up and served with some hummus, says Keri Gans,

6 Foods to Eat When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

This disease develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin. There are many contributing factors such as genetics, weight, inactivity or environmental

9 Things You Should NEVER Mix With Alcohol

If you read the fine print on many FDA-approved over-the-counter substances, you’ll be familiar with a certain common warning: “Do not take with alcohol.” But you’re not alone if you

5 Ways Smoking Can Impact Your Skin

Smoking causes harm to your heart and your lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and

5 Healthy Snacks to Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

There a lot of different diets out there for various reasons. These reasons are tied to health, values, and morality. No matter your dietary preferences, snacking with mindfulness and awareness

6 Reasons You Have Bad Breath 

You shouldn’t ignore bad breath. What you eat and drink can cause halitosis. Foods are absorbed into your bloodstream and move to the lungs, affecting the air your exhale. Brushing

Here’s What Happens When You Give Up Dairy

Many people have in mind to give up dairy products from their diets, because they feel better without consuming them. But some experts say that quitting dairy is not something

Scroll to Top