Strawberry Superpowers: Why the heart-shaped fruit is an exceptional health booster

Early summer is strawberry time! The potent little packages are not only sweet and delicious, but also belong to the healthiest and most nutritious foods of all. They may protect your heart, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and guard against cancer.

The paradise fruit consists of many healthy ingredients. At the same time, strawberries have hardly any calories. Thus, they can be enjoyed with no regrets. A lot of research has been conducted, proving that the summer delicacy, which is composed of 90% water, is packed with vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and much more.

An excellent source of vitamin C

Did you know that one serving, or about eight strawberries, provides more vitamin C than an orange? Double a serving and get 100 percent to meet your daily requirement.

Vitamin C is known to boost immunity and it is a fast working antioxidant:

• It helps to maintain a healthy vision as it protects the eyes from exposure to free-radicals from UV rays.
• Since a healthy immune system is the most effective defense, it is considered to protect against various types of cancer. The additionally contained polyphenols also contribute to this effect, as they counteract cell damage and inflammation.
• The anti-aging powers of the vitamin are vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience for a healthier younger looking skin.

Heart-shaped fruit for a healthy heart

Strawberries are among the healthiest fruits for the heart. They include boosters that counteract the effect of bad cholesterol in the blood, which causes plaque to build up in the arteries. In addition, they have an anti-inflammatory effect, which also benefits the heart. As they inhabit potassium, another beneficial nutrient, strawberries can support to regulate the blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in the strawberry have the potential to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may lead to arthritis. According to scientists, the red berry can even improve pain and inflammation in obese patient’s suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

Loads of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and more healthy ingredients

Strawberries contain almost all vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as manganese, iron and potassium which are crucial for a healthy nutrition. Plus, they provide high levels of folate. Sufficient folate intake is especially important for pregnant women. As it supports cell proliferation and blood formation, it promotes optimal embryo development.

The glycemic value of the strawberry is relatively low. This prevents for a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, which, together with elevated insulin levels, increases the risk of insulin resistance, associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Thus, patients managing diabetes can also enjoy the fruit in moderation.

Healthy snacking can be delicious

Last but not least, strawberries contain a high amount of dietary fiber. These are indigestible and support a healthy intestinal activity. The health-promoting effect of a diet rich in fiber has been proven: It can reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Due to all these facts, adding strawberries to your diet on a regular base can be considered a booster for the immune system, health and looks. Unless you are suffering from a strawberry allergy. However, this is rather rare and in most of the cases goes hand in hand with a pollen allergy.

Prime season for strawberries starts now

Strawberries are especially recommended in season and from regional, organic cultivation. For most of the country, June is prime season for the pretty red fruit. So, enjoy them now and eat them fresh!

*This article is meant for educational and recreational purposes only. The content of this article expresses editorial opinion only, it is not meant to provide medical advice, fact, or to provide medical recommendations on how to treat disease.