Benefits Of Strawberries
The Many Health Benefits of Strawberries
As more and more research is completed, the known health benefits of strawberries continue to grow. One serving ( one cup) of this delicious, sweet fruit has only 46 calories, yet it has more vitamin C than an orange. Combine that with all of its other vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, and you have one of the healthiest, low-calorie foods around.
Among the benefits of strawberries are their fiber content. The American Heart Association considers fiber to be important for heart health, and studies have shown the people who eat higher amounts of fiber in their diets have a lower risk for heart disease than those who do not. Plus, the potassium in strawberries helps to balance electrolytes, aids contracting muscles and lowers the risk of heart disease.
Anti-oxidants are another one of the benefits of strawberries, as is a high amount of vitamin C. Antioxidants are natural chemicals that fight free radicals that can lead to many different chronic diseases. The anti-oxidants in strawberries are absorbed quickly into the body--usually within one hour. Strawberries are rich in phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and elagic acid, which also have anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Strawberries are currently being studied for their effect on the brain and cognitive function. Research already completed showed that strawberry extract slowed age-related cognitive decline. Current studies are focused on the effects of strawberries in the repair and regeneration of nerve cells, resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation, and behavioral aging. With positive results in studies of esophageal cancer, research is now being conducted with several other types of cancer as well. The cancer-fighting ingredients in strawberries include folate, vitamin C, anthocyanins, quencertin, kaempferol and ellagic acid.
The American Heart Associated has allowed the California Strawberry Growers to use their heart-healthy logo on all of its strawberry packaging. Strawberries may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation that are among the causes of heart disease. Research is currently being undertaken at two California Universities, the USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center and at the University of Toronto on heart-specific benefits.
Strawberries are enjoyed by 94% of Americans. In addition to all of their vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, strawberries are low in sugar so they are good for both those people trying to lose weight and diabetics, who need to control their sugar intake. In addition, the fiber content in strawberries not only helps with digestion but also makes you feel full so there is no need to overeat or have multiple snacks between meals.