A fresh, bright and beautiful addition to any meal, strawberries provide a smorgasbord of health-boosting nutrients. These little red gems are loaded with Vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants.
Strawberries also offer ellagic acid, an anti-cancer plant compound. They support immunity with Vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, they contain potassium, a nutrient that counteracts bloating-causing sodium and helps eliminate excess water weight.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the body’s first lines of defense, reducing free radical damage that can lead to inflammation and chronic health conditions. They work by “donating” electrons to unstable free radicals, which otherwise would have taken them from healthy cells. This prevents oxidative stress, which is known to cause many diseases and aging processes.
Strawberry polyphenolic phytochemicals such as flavonols and ellagic acid have been shown to inhibit oxidative stress, reduce apoptosis and mutagenesis, and exhibit antimicrobial properties.
A cup of strawberries has only 49 calories, and is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. One strawberry also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that may help fight cancer and ward off heart disease. It can also decrease levels of the blood protein C-reactive, which is associated with inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory
Strawberries have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that reduces chronic inflammation. This inflammation can cause a lot of health problems including weight gain. Strawberry’s anthocyanins restore the functionalities of hormones that are responsible for reducing weight and burning fat (20).
Eating strawberries can also lower cholesterol levels in the body. According to a study published in 2021 in Nutrients, people who regularly eat strawberries had better lipid profiles and lowered C-reactive protein levels.
The quercetin antioxidants in strawberries protect against heart disease by inhibiting oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries. They also help prevent a type of brain inflammation that may lead to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. (21, 22)
Anti-allergy
The antioxidants and phytonutrients in strawberries can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health. The fruit is also a good source of vitamins C and K, manganese, fiber, folate and potassium.
Vitamin C is an important immune booster and helps prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals that damage healthy cells. It also plays a role in lowering levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammatory responses in the body.
Ellagic acid, a compound in strawberries, has been shown to have anticancer properties in several animal studies. It appears to prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It also promotes the body’s natural housekeeping mechanism to eliminate waste and toxins. (10)
Skin health
Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the skin. The vitamin C helps boost immunity and is a natural brightener. It helps reduce blemishes and redness caused by acne. It also helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
The ellagic acid found in strawberries fights ageing by preventing collagen destruction. It also helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
The Vitamin C in strawberries improves blood vessel function, lowers high blood pressure and decreases inflammation. It also protects against heart disease by inhibiting LDL oxidation and reducing blood clot formation. Potassium is another heart-healthy nutrient found in strawberries, and it’s important for regulating blood sugar levels. It also lowers blood pressure and is beneficial for the kidneys.
Weight loss
Strawberries can be beneficial for the body if eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are lower in calories than most other fruits and may help promote weight loss, particularly when consumed with whole grain foods or sugar-free lemonade.
According to one study, consuming strawberries decreased total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, strawberry supplementation was found to decrease oxidative damage to LDL and increase HDL cholesterol in these individuals.
Strawberries are naturally low in sodium and fat and contain fiber, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, including ellagic acid, ellagitannins, anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol, and flavonoids. They are also a great source of folate, a B vitamin needed for cell growth and healthy pregnancy, and to prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
