Typical of the temperate climates of the North and Chile, this small red fruit with a slightly acidic flavour, has a strong, pleasant aroma and is versatile.
Strawberries are considered one of the tastiest fruits by many people and are used in many juices, smoothies, ice cream, desserts, cakes, cookies, and even some sweet and sour recipes (especially salads).
But, do you know the health benefits of strawberries?
They are many, including preventing obesity, improving vision, healing wounds, and strengthening the walls of blood vessels, which improves blood circulation.
All this happens thanks to vitamin C and anthocyanins (antioxidants), which are responsible for the red color of strawberries.
but this is not all. Strawberries have more benefits! Let’s see how this fruit contributes to your heart health:
Lowers cholesterol
A study showed that strawberries contribute to reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. Researchers fed a group of volunteers 500 grams (17.67 ounces) of fruit daily for a month. Fifteen days after the end of the experiment, they noticed that their cholesterol levels had decreased by about 9%.
This happens because strawberries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL). This substance reduces inflammation levels in tissues, and also lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
It’s a superfood
Strawberries are considered a kind of superfood due to their high nutritional power. It is made primarily of water (91%), and is therefore low in calories.
It is also a good source of vitamin C and fibre. They contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but that’s not all.
Eating strawberries has a positive effect on blood circulation.
Prevents cardiovascular disease
A study linked red fruit consumption with reduced risk factors for cardiovascular problems in healthy people. Strawberries contain high amounts of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which make the fruit red and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Strawberries are rich in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, and arterial disease.
Besides all these benefits for your heart, eating strawberries helps:
strengthen the immune system because it is rich in vitamin C – which can also improve your complexion;
Fighting obesity, because it contains proteins, fibers, and good fats that give a sense of satiety and eliminate hunger.
Improve mental ability because vitamin C stimulates thinking skills and mental agility, and vitamin B reduces homocysteine levels that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
So, would you love to know more about the benefits of strawberries?
Remember that strawberries grown in conventional agricultural processes contain pesticides, so it is essential to disinfect them thoroughly before eating them.
Wash the strawberries in plenty of water, without removing the leaves.
Place the strawberries in a bowl with 1/4 cup of water and 1 cup of vinegar and let them soak for a minute. Then dry the strawberries with a paper towel.
Whenever possible, choose organic strawberries that are free of pesticides and chemicals.