Five Outstanding Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are probably the most popular type of berries among the all berries or berry fruits. They are juicy, delicious and extremely healthy. There are more than six hundred varieties of strawberries available and most commonly grown strawberries belong to the species of Fragaria ananassa. Another popular type of strawberries is wild strawberry or Fragaria vesca. Fragaria virginiana or Virginia strawberry is also a very popular type of strawberries.

The nutrients richness of the strawberries provides many health benefits. Strong nutritional profile suggests that they can be a real life saving fruit. Many researches have been done on the nutrition of strawberries and scientists have found that strawberries can provide extraordinary health benefits in the areas of some of the important health conditions and diseases.

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Nutritional Profile of Strawberries

Strawberries are a strong source of Vitamin C and Manganese. Both are known for their strong anti-oxidant properties. Very good amounts of heart healthy folate, dietary fiber and iodine can be found in the strawberries. Also, strawberries are a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids.

But above all, strawberries are a strong base of unique and health promoting phytonutrients. Today, most of the researches are going on these plant compounds rather than traditional or conventional vitamins and minerals. Among the many types of phytonutrients in strawberries, some of the most important phytonutrients are cyanindins, catechins, epigallocatechins, coumaric, caffeic acid and resveratrol. These phytonutrients provide anti-oxidant and ant-inflammatory health benefits.

List of important phytonutrients in strawberries:

• Cyanidins
• Pelargonidins
• Catechins
• Gallocatechins
• Epicatechins
• Kaempferol
• Quercetin
• Ellagic acid
• Salicylic acid
• Coumaric acid
• Caffeic acid
• Ferulic acid
• Ellagitannins
• Gallotannins
• Resveratrol

The blend of conventional nutrients and phytonutrients offers many important health benefits. Given below is the list of some of the most important health benefits of strawberries.

Five Outstanding Health Benefits of Strawberries:

• Cardiovascular Health Benefits: Strawberries are very well known for their cardiovascular health benefits. Most of the researches on strawberries have been done on cardiovascular health. Conventional anti-oxidants contents on strawberries like Vitamin C, manganese and folate play important roles to keep the heart healthy. In addition, anti-oxidant and ant-inflammatory phytonutrients in strawberries protect heart from dangerous diseases and conditions. The outstanding anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in these fruits protect heart and blood vessels from oxidative and inflammatory damage. Nutrients in strawberries help to lower bad cholesterol or LDL levels significantly. Dietary fiber and potassium are also very heart friendly. These two nutrients control cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. Strawberries are a wonderful fruit for reducing the chances of developing coronary heart disease as well. Overall, strawberries are great for the cardiovascular health and protect heart from many dangerous diseases.

• Anti-Cancer Health Benefits: Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries are extremely helpful in the reduction of cancers as well. Chronic inflammation and excessive oxidative damage can lead to cancers. But ant-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of strawberries protect body from this deadly disease. According to the studies, strawberries are very well equipped to reduce breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer. Phytonutrients such as flavonoids, ellagitannins, gallotannins, phenolic acids and stilbenoids play important roles in the cancer prevention.

• Blood Sugar Health Benefits: Strawberries are rich in dietary fiber content which is very helpful to control blood sugar levels. Polyphenols in strawberries especially ellagitannins are very important for blood sugar benefits. Ellagitannins break down the enzyme alpha-amylase and when the activity of this enzyme is reduced, sugar release in the blood also gets inhibited. Regular intake of strawberries may reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

• Anti-Aging Health Benefits: All the berries including strawberries are good anti-aging fruits. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect cells from oxidative and inflammatory damages and keep the skin young and healthy. Strawberries are very helpful for the good brain function as well. Aging can hamper brain and nervous functions. Nutrients in strawberries help to repair and regeneration of nerve cells. This is very important for the proper functioning of brain.

• Anti-Inflammatory Health Benefits:  Because of the anti-inflammatory nutrients strawberries can be a good fruit to reduce inflammatory diseases and conditions. Scientists believe strawberries can be helpful in the reduction of arthritis and macular degeneration. Strawberries can provide health benefits on inflammatory bowel problems including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Strawberries are a highly nutritious and healthy fruit. Amazing combination of phytonutrients and other nutrients in strawberries makes them an outstanding health food. Regular intake of strawberries can boost the health significantly and provide all the above mentioned health benefits.