Strawberries are from the genus Fragaria.They are bright red with sweet and juicy fruits which give off a nice aroma. What most people do not know is that strawberries are not a fruit, technically speaking. Other fruits in this family include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries. The edible part of the strawberries originate from the plants’ receptacles as opposed from the ovaries like other fruits-hence, they are considered aggregate accessory fruits. Strawberries are very healthy and nutritious as we shall find out in this article.
Health Benefit 1: Weight Loss
Strawberries contain anthocyanins, which gives them the red colour. Anthocyanins help in burning fat stored in the body.
Health Benefit 2: Improves Short Term Memory
The anthocyanins in strawberries help improve short term memory fully, that is, 100%. A study on rats showed that the rats that consumed strawberries, blueberries and some other fruits learned faster and improved on their motor skills compared to the ones that did not consume them. This makes strawberries a healthy snack after meals for people predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease.
Health Benefit 3: Rich in Fiber, Low in Calories
Strawberries are rich fiber not only in the meat of the berry, but also within the seeds. Fiber is useful for the prevention of various nutritional conditions such as constipation. This fact is supported by the fact that strawberries are porous hence store high amount of water. Strawberries are high in carbohydrates with one gram giving out four calories per gram. This is why calories are considered a low calorie food.
Health Benefit 4: Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Strawberries are laden with flavonoids which give them the colour and flavour.These anthocyanins improve the endothelial lining of the circulatory system thereby preventing accumulation of plaque. They also enhance blood pressure, keeping it at a healthy level. Research has also shown that help lower oxidative stress and inflammation.
Health benefit 5: Improves Bone Health
Strawberries are rich in potassium, vitamin K and magnesium. Potassium is needed for bone health due to its ability to neutralize bone-depleting metabolic acids while Magnesium is essential for bone mineralization. Vitamin K increases bone mineral density in osteoporotic people, not mentioning the fact that it also reduces fracture rates. Vitamin K also affects calcium balance, which is vital for bone metabolism.
Health Benefit 6: Fights Oesophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is a malignant cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that starts from the throat all the way to the stomach. Strawberries have been found in a study to slow down the development of lesions in most esophageal cancer patients. This is was due to the fact that freeze- dried strawberries in particular were found to stop a cancer-causing agent known as N-NMBA (nitrosomethylbenzylamine), mostly associated with esophageal cancer.
Health Benefit 7: Fights Aging
Strawberries contain biotin which aids in building strong hair and nails. The Ellagic acid, an anti-oxidant in strawberries guards the elastic fibers in our skin thus preventing sagging. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.
Health Benefit 8: Improves on Ocular Health
Eating strawberries has been associated with reduced risk of macular degeneration, a condition which leads to loss of vision. The vitamin C in strawberry is helpful for healthy eyes. The Vitamin is an antioxidant which the body needs for healthy blood vessels as well as connective tissues and in particular, those surrounding the eyes.
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