Strawberries are good for you – here’s why

 

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that many of us enjoy, especially when we have a sweet tooth. Not only do they taste good but they are also very good for you. Good for your heart, brain and body in general as they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also have a range of bioactive compounds in them including flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignans, tannins and phenolic acids. Strawberries also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help to prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. They can help prevent against cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and neurological diseases.

Heart health

Strawberries are beneficial for your heart as they have antioxidant, anti-hypertension (high blood pressure) and anti-atherosclerotic effects. They help protect low density lipoprotein from oxidation.

Strawberries effect on Obesity

Obesity can cause a range of other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and strokes. Strawberries can help with obesity-induced inflammation. They can also, increase the amount of gut microorganisms linked to lean body weight, health and longevity.

A good source of Folate, Vitamin C and Manganese

Strawberries are one of the richest sources of folate, a B vitamin your body needs to make DNA and other genetic material. Folate is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and also to help decrease risk of cancer in adults. It helps with depression, heart disease, stroke and neurological disorders.

Strawberries also are a source of manganese. Manganese is good for bone health, reproduction, blood clotting and the immune function. Vitamin C protects cells from damaging free radicals, makes collagen and boosts immune system function. This is another good reason to eat strawberries. You may even be able to lower your risk of lung, breast and colon cancers and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C helps slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and is great in helping with colds.

Anticarcinogenic

Anticarcinogenic, antioxidative and genoprotective properties found in strawberries are helpful in warding off cancer. They are a good source of fisetin, a flavonoid that acts as an anticarcinogenic agent. Fisetin is good for inhibiting cancer cell stages, for preventing progression in cell cycle and growth and induces apoptosis (the programmed death of cells that are beyond repair in the body).

The brain

When you eat a lot of strawberries and blueberries it may help slow the rate of cognitive decline. Fisetin in strawberries has antidepressant potential, increases serotonin and noradrenaline levels. Strawberries may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. 

So, when you feel like eating strawberries, or any berries for that matter, don’t fight it. They taste great and are extremely beneficial to your overall health. However, when purchasing your berries organic berries are better. This is because strawberries, like many other fruits and vegetables, tend to be sprayed with pesticides in produce, and this could mean they have a high level of pesticide residues. If organic berries are not an easy option you could try growing your own. They look quite colourful and are a wonderful addition to any garden.