Benefits of Eating Strawberry

By Jennifer Novabos - June 8, 2022
Benefits of Eating Strawberry

The garden strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France, in the 1750s via a cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America and Fragaria chiloensis, which was brought from Chile by Amédée-François Frézier in 1714.Cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa have replaced, in commercial production, the woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca), which was the first strawberry species cultivated in the early 17th century. The strawberry is not, from a botanical point of view, a berry. Technically, it is an aggregate accessory fruit, meaning that the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries but from the receptacle that holds the ovaries.[4] Each apparent "seed" (achene) on the outside of the fruit is actually one of the ovaries of the flower, with a seed inside it.

Are strawberries safe for everyone to eat? 

Although most of us can enjoy strawberries without a problem, they are a common allergen, especially for young children. If you have allergies to birch pollen or apples, you are more likely to develop a secondary food allergy to strawberries. If this is relevant, you should avoid strawberries.

Strawberries, along with fruits including apples, peaches, avocados and blueberries contain natural chemicals called salicylates. Some people are sensitive to these compounds and may experience an allergic reaction including skin rash and swelling.

Strawberries also contain goitrogens, compounds which may interfere with thyroid function, so those with a thyroid condition should minimize their intake. 

They help protect your heart

Strawberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C, a nutrient pairing that's great for reducing oxidative stress, which can reduce heart disease and cancer risk. Plus, strawberries are a good source of potassium, which has been shown to help protect against heart disease.

“Potassium can help lower blood pressure, as it helps buffer the effect of sodium on blood pressure,” says Vandana Sheth, RD, a spokesperson for the for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Enjoying foods that are rich in potassium while also lowering sodium intake may help reduce risk of high blood pressure and stroke.”

 They can help ward off cancer 

Regularly eating berries, including strawberries, has been linked to reduced risk of cancers, including esophageal cancer and lung cancer, in animal studies; the research is promising but still mixed in human studies.

" strawberry have been ranked in the top 10 fruits in antioxidant capacity, and this may be a key reason they may help with cancer prevention. Antioxidants.

10 Surprising Strawberry Benefits for Your Health and Wellness

1.Ward Off Colds

 These strawberry benefits justify picking up an extra pint of ruby-reds from the market. As if they weren't sweet enough already, Strawberries are jam-packed with vitamins. In fact, you only need to eat around 5 large berries to get 98% of your daily value of vitamin C. This vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system—helping your body avoid sicknesses and recover more quickly. Here are 55 delicious ways to eat more strawberries.

2.Protect Your Heart

Studies have shown that regularly consuming anthocyanins—which are found in strawberries—can reduce the risk of heart attack. Plus, strawberries may aid in preventing platelet build-up and even reducing blood pressure. Needless to say, your heart will thank you for eating these delicious berries—and these other heart-healthy foods.

3.Support a Healthy Pregnancy

One of the most commonly recommended supplements for pregnant women is folate or folic acid, which is instrumental in a baby’s development. Happily, strawberries are a great natural source of this nutrient—one cup of fresh berries has around 40 micrograms of folate! We’re betting strawberries aren’t one of the foods Meghan Markle can’t eat while pregnant.

4.Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation can cause a number of problems in the body—chronic inflammation has even been linked to serious conditions such as stroke, heart attacks and cancer. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote all-around well being.

5.Plump Your Lips

Want to smooth, soften and plump your lips before date night? It’s incredibly easy to make a DIY strawberry lip scrub. Just mix together two mashed strawberries with two teaspoons of sugar, then rub gently on your lips to exfoliate. Wipe the mixture off, then pucker up!

6.Improve Digestion

You probably know fiber is a key nutrient for your digestive system, and fiber-rich strawberries are a great way to get a little extra in your diet. They also have a high water content, so they’ll keep things moving and help prevent constipation. These other fiber-packed snacks can boost your digestive health even more.

7.Manage High Blood Pressure

Strawberries are high in potassium, which helps them negate the effects of sodium in the body. (These delicious foods can help lower blood pressure, too.) Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, you can probably benefit from more potassium—only around 2 percent of Americans meet the recommended daily intake of this key nutrient!

8.Soften Your Skin

This two-ingredient DIY face mask will leave your skin feeling refreshed. Mix two or three mashed strawberries with two tablespoons of honey, then spread on your skin. Let it work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Did you know honey has lots of health benefits, too?

9.Regulate Blood Sugar

Strawberries have a lower glycemic index than other fruits, making them helpful when it comes to regulating blood sugar levels. Studies have even shown that eating strawberries every day can reduce complications related to diabetes. Here are some other helpful tips from diabetes doctors.

10.Whiten Your Teeth

All sorts of foods that can help whiten your teeth! Swap out expensive whitening strips for a pint of strawberries. This fruit can help whiten thanks to its malic acid content. Just mash together one strawberry and a small scoop of baking soda, then spread onto your teeth with a toothbrush. Rinse off after a few minutes and repeat weekly for pearly whites.