When it comes to fruit, what could be better than biting into plump, juicy, red strawberries? The sweetness and slight crunch of the seeds is a delightful experience. There is also a long list of health benefits for the fruit in question. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and a variety of polyphenols that have profound effects on health and well-being.
Strawberries support the immune system
Vitamin C supports the immune system through its antioxidant abilities. Vitamin C supports the cells of the immune system by protecting them from the damage that can occur when the body has an immune response. In addition, vitamin C positively affects the immune system by the function of white blood cells. One cup of whole strawberries provides 85 milligrams of vitamin C, which is over 100% of the recommended daily value for women and about 94% of the daily value for men.
Strawberries reduce inflammation
Strawberries are a rich source of polyphenols, important chemicals found in plants that can protect cells from inflammatory damage. Although they did not include large samples, studies have shown that strawberry consumption reduces markers of inflammation such as high-sensitivity c-reactive protein.
Strawberries help protect against cancer
Strawberries are full of many types of polyphenols (beneficial chemical compounds found in plants). A powerful polyphenol found in strawberries is ellagic acid, which acts as an antioxidant and has been studied for its effect on preventing or slowing down chronic diseases. Ellagic acid has preventive and therapeutic effects on cancer through its antioxidant capacity. Strawberries alone will not prevent or treat cancer, but they can be part of a powerful diet full of anti-cancer properties.
Strawberries improve HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is the “good” type of cholesterol because it benefits the body by picking up excess cholesterol in the blood and carrying it to the liver to be removed. High levels of HDL cholesterol can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Strawberries are helpful in treating metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions (high blood sugar, blood pressure, blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol) that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Strawberries help prevent and treat metabolic syndrome due to their nutritional profile.
Strawberries support brain health
A new study revealed that one of the causes of cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s dementia is not consuming foods rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. As mentioned earlier, strawberries are a good source of antioxidants and powerful polyphenols that can prevent inflammation. Although it cannot be said that strawberries prevent the development of Alzheimer’s, one study found that a higher consumption of strawberries was associated with a reduced risk of dementia, likely due to the vitamin C and polyphenols found in the fruit.
Strawberries help with optimal digestion
One cup of strawberries contains about three and a half grams of fiber. The main fibers found in strawberries are insoluble fibers, and it is known that these fibers pass through the digestive system unharmed, and add bulk to the stool. An action that helps maintain regular digestion.
Strawberries relieve symptoms of depression
Not only are strawberries delicious, but they may also relieve symptoms of depression. Delicious strawberries boost mood but are also a good source of folate, with one cup of sliced strawberries providing 39.8 micrograms of folate. Some studies have found that people diagnosed with depression had lower levels of folate than those without depression. Meeting folate needs can support the treatment of depression.
Strawberries protect against heart disease
Throughout this article, strawberries are said to help lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol. Reducing cholesterol levels is one of the ways to protect against heart disease. Some studies indicate that strawberries can have a positive effect on the function of the endothelium (the cells lining the blood vessels).