The Health Benefits Of Strawberries

Latin Name : Fragaria ananassa

Strawberries were grown in ancient Rome as far back as 200 BC. In recent history, France is the first to have cultivated strawberries around 1750 AD. Present day strawberry is the garden variety, a hybrid of a natural cross between the French and the North American variety.

The strawberry plant is a runner and spreads horizontally on the ground. It produces red, sweet, delicately fragrant, conical, fleshy fruits. Though the plants live for 5 to 6 years, new plantation is done every year as the fruit production reduces rapidly every year.

Strawberry fruit is termed an aggregate accessory fruit as the flesh is produced from the receptacle that contains the ovaries rather than the ovaries themselves. Each seed that is apparent on the outside of the fruit is in fact an ovary, with a seed inside.

Today, strawberry is cultivated in many temperate regions of the world. In the US, 75% of the crop is grown in California.

Strawberry has been ranked 27th best amongst all US foods and the 4th best amongst all fruits, in terms of its antioxidant capacity. It is amongst the top 50 antioxidant sources.

Strawberries contain an array of phytonutrients which include, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, flavonols, terpenoids and phenolic acids

It has excellent levels of vitamin C, is rich in manganese and dietary fiber, has very good amounts of folate, iodine and potassium and appreciable levels of magnesium, vitamin K and omega 3 fatty acids, while at the same time is low in calories and has zero cholesterol.

It is beneficial in treating liver disorders like hepatitis and cirrhosis. It is better to consume it on an empty stomach, about 2 to 3 cups daily. The juice renews the liver cells and tissues thereby improving the liver function.

Taking strawberry juice for about 2 weeks days benefits in diabetes, gout, high cholesterol levels and arterosclerosis.

Skin diseases like acne, psoriasis and dermatoses are relieved. It also detoxifies the body.

The juice if consumed in summer prevents heat prostration as it is cooling. It eliminates fatigue and also benefits the nervous system.

Strawberry leaves can be brewed to make a variety of teas. Nutrients can also be extracted and mixed with other nutrients to form tablets useful for digestive problems and health.

The leaves contain compounds that exert a diuretic effect on the body and remove water from around the arthritic affected joints, thus helping in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.

The leaves contain iron, calcium and high levels of vitamin C which are beneficial to health.

• The major benefit of strawberry is the massive heath benefit it exerts on the cardiovascular system because of the exceptionally high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants.
• Because of the rich and diverse phytonutrient contents and high vitamin content, strawberries decrease fat oxidation, decrease level of circulating fats including LDL and total cholesterol, decrease activity of ACE, an enzyme which when overactive raises blood pressure and thereby lower blood pressure. They also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Strawberries are an excellent anti-inflammatory and thus benefit in ulcerative colitis, arthritis and eye diseases, prevent cataract.
• Regular intake of strawberries has been found to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. More importantly, a relation has been documented by researchers, in that, when strawberries are consumed along with sugar, the blood sugar levels are lower than when sugar is consumed alone. This shows that strawberries are able to decrease the blood sugar levels. The polyphenols are believed to be the reason for this.
• Reduce the risk of cancer and tumors, again due to the excellent phytonutrient and antioxidant spectrum of nutrients.
• Increase the cognitive function in aging persons.
• The acids in the fruit remove stains from the teeth, strengthen the teeth and gums.
• Improve immunity, maintain skin younger, promote pre natal health.
• Are diuretic due to the high potassium content and detoxify the body.

Though strawberries are full of health giving benefits yet some people show allergic reactions on consuming them. This is especially the case with the red variety of strawberries.

This allergy is due a type of protein in the red strawberries and is called OAS or the oral allergy symptoms. The main lesions are exhibited in the lips, mouth and throat of the oral cavity and include itching and swelling, runny nose, sneezing. Some may exhibit symptoms in the eyes like itching, redness and lacrimation.

Others may develop more severe symptoms like asthma, rhinitis and breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting, cramps and diarrhea.

If you develop these allergic symptoms, get medical help immediately and do not consume strawberries.

Note

• Cooking strawberries does not destroy or remove the allergen or allergy causing protein. So it is best to avoid strawberries in any form.
• However, a white variety of strawberry, called Sofar, does not contain the type of protein or allergen that is in the red variety of strawberries and therefore does not cause this allergy in persons allergic to red strawberries.
  This was found by the Biochemists doing research on different kinds of protein in strawberries, at Lund University, Sweden.

Strawberries are extremely perishable and stay fresh for a few days only. Choose firm, mold free, plump berries with a shiny red color and green caps.

Strawberries do not ripen after picking, hence, select only the ripe ones which are bright in appearance.

A fully ripe berry will have optimum levels of Vitamin C and phytonutrients.

Studies indicate that strawberry stored for 2 days does not show any major loss of vitamin C and the poly phenols. They can be kept in the fridge for 2 days.

Frozen strawberries keep well for about a year. Add some lemon juice to preserve their color.

For maximum storage levels of vitamin C, freeze whole berries.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements.