Strawberries are an amazing super food which when consumed on a regular basis can give way to a seemingly innumerable amount of healthy perks. These delicious red berries contain a plethora of nutrients including vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamin k, and loads of antioxidants; many of which are important for protecting our many cells, detoxifying the body, and slowing down the aging process.
Consuming as little as one cup of strawberries per week has been shown to lower both blood pressure and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) over time while simultaneously maintaining levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Daily consumption is even better. Much of the research has been focused on the antioxidant authocyanin, (the nutrient responsible for giving strawberries their bright red color) however these berries are also high in pectin which is a soluble fiber lending itself to the cholesterol lowering process. In fact a typical serving of strawberries contains around 14% of the daily recommended amount of dietary fiber. There are also natural levels of nitrates present which when consumed help the body to produce nitric oxide, thereby helping to ensure proper blood flow throughout the body and lowering BP. This benefits the heart, brain, and other organs, but is also helpful for increased muscle repair, and has even been shown to aid men in their ability to get and maintain an erection. You may be confused, as many of you have probably heard that nitrates are bad for you. The short answer is not all nitrates are created equal. The type typically added to meats combines with a compound found in protein when heated and forms a substance known as nitrosamines which some research suggest may be cancer causing. This is not the case with the very beneficial nitrates contained within the strawberry.
A cup of strawberries contains roughly between 90-150% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Larger berries typically contain higher levels, this is the reason for the variance. This vitamin is very important for protecting against oxidative stress, and is crucial in the body’s ability to heal and or repair connective tissue via the production of collagen making it extremely important for healthy skin as well. Our teeth also profit as this vitamin is needed for holding them firmly in place and preventing gum disease. Vitamin C also has a role to play in assisting our immune system. Frozen strawberries are a great option because they are typically flash frozen at the peak of freshness which helps to ensure higher levels. Studies have shown that even after 3 months of being frozen viamin c levels are maintained. Whereas fresh strawberries begin to decline shortly after being picked, and continue to drop with each passing day.
Another almost unbelievable benefit of strawberries is their ability to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that consuming two to three servings a week can substantially lower ones risk. They are so effective at balancing blood sugars that when eaten at the same time as pure sugar they can actually prevent a spike in blood glucose. This is almost unheard of. So if you or someone you know suffers from type 2 diabetes I would highly recommend adding them to the diet.
Strawberries also make the list of foods which can help to bolster sperm count. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants help to increase the number of swimmers while also protecting them against negative gene expression which could otherwise cause them to be defective.
The anti-inflammatory effects of strawberries are astounding as well. There are only a hand full of foods which can inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and Janus Kinase (JAK) markers responsible for the inflammatory effects recognized in such autoimmune problems as Crones, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain forms of alopecia. Strawberries contain phytochemicals known as ellagitannins and quercetin which are key players in accomplishing this impressive feat.
Women who are pregnant will benefit from the folate contained within the strawberry as it is a necessary component in the proper development of the baby’s brain. They also consist of folic acid; a nutrient often recommended as its thought to prevent birth defects.
There are other great qualities encompassed within this amazing heart shaped wonder, perhaps the simplest quality being their delightful flavor. Frozen or fresh, the benefits are many. I would however recommend buying organic whenever possible as strawberries tend to be heavily sprayed since they grow close to the ground and tend to be more susceptible to weeds and pest. Happy eating! I always blend mine frozen with coconut milk in one of these https://amzn.to/2RczGSt I absolutly love it!! I use it 3 times a day.
