31/03/2014
STRAWBERRIES HEALTH BENEFITS
FRESH Summer Strawberries are one of the most
popular, refreshing and healthy treats on the
planet. Wild strawberries have been popular since
ancient Roman times and were used for a wide
variety of medicinal purposes such as alleviating
inflammation, fever, kidney stones, bad breath,
Calories: 50
Protein: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 11.65 grams
Dietary Fiber: 3.81 grams
Calcium: 23.24 mg
Iron: 0.63 mg
Magnesium: 16.60 mg
Phosphorus: 31.54 mg
Potassium: 44.82 mg
Selenium: 1.16 mg
Vitamin C: 94.12 mg
Folate: 29.38 mcg
Vitamin A: 44.82 IU
This nutritional powerhouse also contain the
mighty antioxidants anthocyanins, ellagic acid,
quercetin and kaempferol, which all have been
shown to have protective effects against certain
types of cancer. 1
Possible health benefits of consuming
strawberries
The benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables
of all kinds, including strawberries, are infinite. As
plant food consumption goes up, the risk of heart
disease, diabetes, and cancer goes down.
High fruit and vegetable intake is also associated
with healthy skin and hair, increased energy, and
lower weight. Increasing consumption of fruits
and vegetables significantly decreases the risk of
obesity and overall mortality.
Heart Disease: Regular consumption of
anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids found in
berries, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by
32% in young and middle-aged women, according
to lead study author Aedin Cassidy, PhD, MSc,
BSc, a nutrition at the Norwich Medical School in
the United Kingdom. Women who consumed at
least 3 servings of strawberries or blueberries per
week fared best in the Harvard study. 3
The flavonoid quercetin, contained in strawberries,
is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to
reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and protect
against the damage caused by low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in animal studies.
Quercetin may have the additional bonus of anti-
cancer effects; however more studies are needed
using human subjects before these results can be
confirmed. 6
The high polyphenol content in strawberries may
also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
(CVD) by preventing platelet build-up and
reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory
mechanisms.
Other studies have shown that eating strawberries
helps to lower homocysteine levels, an amino acid
in the blood associated with damaging the inner
lining of arteries. 1
The fiber and potassium in strawberries also
support heart health. In one study, participants
who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day
had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart
disease compared with those who consumed less
potassium (about 1000 mg per day). 5
Stroke: The antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol,
and anthocyanins have all been shown to reduce
the formation of harmful blood clots associated
with strokes . 1 High potassium intakes have also
been linked with a reduced risk of stroke. 5
Cancer: As mentioned above, strawberries contain
powerful antioxidants that work against free
radicals, inhibiting tumor growth and decreasing
inflammation in the body.
Blood Pressure: Due to their high potassium
content, strawberries are recommended to those
with high blood pressure to help negate the
effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium
intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing
high blood pressure as a high sodium intake. 4
According to the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults
meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation for
potassium. 5
Also of note, a high potassium intake is
associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying
from all causes. 5
Constipation: Eating foods that are high in water
content and fiber like strawberries, grapes,
watermelon and cantaloupe can help to keep you
hydrated and your bowel movements regular.
Fiber is essential for minimizing constipation and
adding bulk to the stool.
Allergies and Asthma: Because of the anti-
inflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming
strawberries may help to alleviate symptoms of
allergies including runny nose, watery eyes and
hives, although there have been no human studies
done to prove this theory. 6 Several studies have
shown that the incidence of asthma is lower with
a high intake of certain nutrients, vitamin C being
at the top of the list.
Diabetes: Strawberries are a low glycemic index
food and high in fiber, which helps to regulate
blood sugar and keep it stable by avoiding
extreme highs and lows. Strawberries are a smart
fruit choice for diabetics, as they have a lower
glycemic index (40) than many other fruits do. 3
Researchers have recently discovered that eating
about 37 strawberries a day can significantly
reduce diabetic complications such as kidney
disease and neuropathy . The study showed that
fisetin, a flavonoid contained in abundance in
strawberries, promoted survival of neurons grown
in culture and enhanced memory in healthy mice,
along with prevention of both kidney and brain
complications in diabetic mice. 7
Pregnancy: Adequate folic acid intake is essential
for pregnant women to protect against neural
tube defects in infants.
Depression: Folate may also help with depression
by preventing an excess of homocysteine from
forming in the body, which can prevent blood and
other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess
homocysteine interferes with the production of the
feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but
sleep and appetite as well. 8