It’s not for nothing that strawberries are heart-shaped! The antioxidants in strawberries prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
Strawberries are rich in nutrients, which have the role of maintaining the proper functioning of the body and preventing various ailments.
Strawberries exist in over 600 varieties and differ in taste, size and texture, and the largest producer of strawberries is California, where about two billion tons of strawberries are produced annually. They are used as the star ingredient in ice cream, jams, syrups, cocktails, cakes or can be simply eaten fresh, with a refreshing and sweet taste.
As a curiosity, did you know that these fruits are part of the rose family and that they are the only fruits that have seeds on the outside?
What do strawberries contain?
Compared to apples, oranges or the bananas, strawberries have the highest nutrient content. Among them are vitamin C (just one serving – about eight strawberries – provides more vitamin C than an orange), potassium, manganese, folate, fiber and antioxidants (known as polyphenols).
A portion of 140 grams of strawberries has only 50 calories and about 3 grams of fiber, most of which are soluble. What makes these fruits unbeatable allies against extra pounds. Fiber also helps to reduce cholesterol and prevent constipation.
What are the benefits of strawberries?
They strengthen immunity
Due to the high content of vitamin C (one portion has 100% vitamin C of the recommended daily dose), these fruits protect the body from infections.
Strawberries are especially recommended in the spring, when temperatures fluctuate and there is an increased risk of respiratory viruses. However, as they are not available fresh until the end of May, we can go to the supermarket for a portion of frozen strawberries.
They reduce the risk of heart disease
It’s not for nothing that strawberries are heart-shaped! The flavonoids and antioxidants that are found in abundance in strawberries have the role of preventing the accumulation of cholesterol on the blood vessels, which can obstruct blood circulation.
Also, these substances have anti-inflammatory properties that have a miraculous effect in relieving the symptoms of gastritis.
They prevent constipation and diabetes
The large amount of fiber in strawberries helps intestinal motility, favoring the elimination of toxins and preventing constipation and bloating.
In addition, fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels. Strawberries thus become the best friends of diabetics. And the glycemic index of strawberries is only 40, making them ideal for weight loss.
They reduce the risk of cancer
Antioxidants such as lutein or zeaxanthin present in strawberries help protect the body from free radicals. They are known to promote oxidative stress, a risk factor for cancer.
It helps to lose weight
They have very few calories and a lot of fiber that helps you maintain the feeling of satiety, so that you stop eating in large quantities and making unhealthy, high-calorie choices. Moreover, vitamin C boosts metabolism, which helps burn calories quickly.
They prevent vascular accidents
Anthocyanins and quercitin, powerful antioxidants found in strawberries, can prevent the formation of blood clots. They increase the risk of a stroke.
Also, the increased potassium content in strawberries was associated with a lower risk of stroke.
Excellent for pregnant women
Although they seem simple fads, the strawberries requested by pregnant women during pregnancy have a logic. These fruits are rich in folate, substances that the fetus needs very much for brain and spinal cord development.
Furthermore, folic acid from strawberries can prevent certain congenital anomalies that can occur at birth.
It relieves asthma and allergies
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of quercitin, a compound found in strawberries, these fruits can relieve symptoms such as stuffy nose, irritated eyes and hives.
Banish depression
The folates in strawberries keep the level of homocysteine under control, a substance that in excess can interfere with the production of happiness hormones (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine), which are responsible for good mood, rest and appetite.
