Long before garden strawberries were cultivated in France, the fruit was cited for its medicinal value in Roman literature. Roman literature suggested the use of strawberries in treating some illnesses Strawberries were also used to treat diseases in Europe after the French cultivated them in their gardens. While the sweetness of strawberries has made the fruit a popular dessert, it also contains several vitamins and minerals that offer numerous health benefits. In this article, we will be discussing nutrition facts about strawberries.
Nutrients in One Cup of Strawberries
One cup of strawberries contains these nutrients. DV stands for Daily Value.
- Dietary Fiber – 3g (17% DV)
- Vitamin C – 98 mg (150% DV)
- Iron – 0.7 mg (3% DV)
- Potassium – 250 mg (7% DV)
Nutritional Facts about Strawberries!
The following are eight benefits offered with the consumption of strawberries.
1. Lowers risk of heart-related deaths
Studies have shown that eating at least three servings of strawberries can reduce the risk of experiencing a heart attack by 32 percent. The fruit protects the heart by increasing good cholesterol (HDL), enhancing circulation, and reducing inflammation. It can also guard against the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL), which can lead to the hardening of the arteries. This is a great nutrition fact about strawberries.
2. Regulates blood sugar levels
Strawberries can slow down glucose digestion. They also reduce a sudden increase in insulin and glucose levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal. By regulating blood sugar levels, you can prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The polyphenols (antioxidants) in strawberries have been considered as the reason for the balancing effect of strawberries on blood sugar. They can influence the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
3. Fights cancer cell formation
Strawberries have been associated with the prevention of cancer by fighting the formation of tumors. They also stop cancer cells from growing and spreading. Ellagitannins and ellagic acid in the fruit have shown that they can stop the growth of cancer cells. Studies have also shown that the ability of the fruit to fight inflammation and oxidative stress allows it to prevent some types of cancer.
4. Enhance digestive health
Strawberries contain around three grams of fiber for every cup. A great nutrition fact about strawberries is that this fiber content supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut and enhances digestion. The fiber also allows the body to regularly clean the intestines.
5. Helps weight management
Another effect of enhanced digestive health is weight management. Aside from enhancing digestive health, the fiber in strawberries is also useful in losing weight. In addition, the nitrate in the fruit encourages blood and oxygen flow in the body. This also contributes to better weight management or weight loss. The fruits themselves are guilt-free snacks that can satisfy anyone’s cravings for sweets. While they are sweet, they have low sugar and caloric content. A 100-gram serving of strawberries only has six grams of sugar and 33 grams of calories.
6. Promote skin health
Strawberries are very good sources of vitamin C. This antioxidant is necessary to improve the health of the skin. The ellagic acid in the fruit has also shown to defend the flexible fibers on the skin. Due to this strawberries nutrition fact, it has been known to make the skin look youthful. In addition, the manganese in strawberries can enhance the production of collagen and promote skin health.
7. Fights gout and arthritis
The antioxidants and detoxifying agents in strawberries allow the fruit to help in dealing with inflammatory diseases like gout and arthritis. One of the most interesting strawberries nutrition facts is that the compounds in strawberries allow it to relieve inflammation and pain linked to these diseases. Free radicals in the body normally cause these ailments. Research on women showed that those who ate at least 16 pieces of strawberries every week experienced lower inflammation levels. The study also showed that these women experienced a 14 decrease in the risk of having elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the blood. CRP levels show the level of inflammation in the body.
8. Regulate blood pressure
Strawberries contain potassium, which is involved in several body processes as well as controlling blood pressure. Berry anthocyanins also play a major role in reducing blood pressure. Aside from reducing blood pressure, consuming strawberries also enables consistent blood flow, which helps maintain healthy oxygen levels in the body.
Strawberries may be considered as good dessert options. Its sweetness may have led early Europeans to cultivate the fruit in their gardens. Even strawberries are valued for their appearance and taste, they also offer many beneficial effects on one’s health.
I hope that this article on strawberries nutrition facts was helpful. If you are interested, visit the health facts page!
