Although the strawberry is usually referred to as a fruit, it is actually an accessory or false fruit, since its red fleshy part doesn’t develop from the flower’s ovary, but is derived from the non-reproductive parts of the flower. The real fruits are achenes, the minute hard seeds of varying color (yellow, green or red), embedded in the strawberry surface.
Ripe, fresh strawberries are sweet and juicy. They can be eaten as they are, used to garnish a variety of sweets and desserts, or enjoyed as delicious refreshing juice and smoothies.
12 Collective Reason To Appreciate Nutrition-Packed Strawberries
Antioxidants
Strawberries contain chemical compounds called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Strawberries also contain vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol.
Anti-aging properties
Strawberries have biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. Strawberries also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to help prevent sagging.
Weight Loss
Strawberries contain a compound called nitrate that has positive effects on blood flow and oxygen around the body. Nitrate stops muscles from becoming too tired after exercise.
Anti-inflammatory
The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, cancer, asthma and atherosclerosis.
Whitens Teeth
You would be surprised, but yes, eating strawberries often helps in creating that perfect smile with pearly whites. We heard pageant queens rub their teeth with strawberries before they hit the runways!
Aging
Its antioxidants capacity protects the elastic fibre in our skins to prevent sagging. Also, strawberries are filled with Vitamin H which helps in building strong hair and nails.
Blood Pressure
Known as the silent killer because it has no symptoms, high blood pressure can result in a stroke and even death. Strawberries are vital for your heart health because they are high in potassium, and a single serving can maintain normal blood pressure levels.
Fibre
Fibre is essential for digestion, and every strawberry contains 2g of fibre. Regular consumption of strawberries will help prevent constipation and diverticulitis – the inflammation of intestines. Having sufficient fibre also helps in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes as it helps slow down the absorption of sugars.
Boost memory
Strawberries, as well as other berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, contain loads of anthocyanins and polyphenols that can allegedly boost your short-term memory, as well as delay the onset of memory loss as a result of aging.
Eye Health
Regular intake of strawberries can help your eye health due to the high levels of Vitamin C contained in them. Vitamin C can help you avoid cataracts, as well as protect your eyes from the free radicals that come from UV rays. It can also help strengthen your corneas and retinas.
Prevent Cancer
Some of the properties found in strawberries have been proven to fight against cancer. These include Vitamin C and a phytochemical called ellagic acid. Eating one cup of chopped strawberries a day can have a significant effect on your body’s ability to ward off disease.
Digestive Health
Strawberries are full of fibre, which helps to keep your digestive system functioning correctly. An adequate intake of fibre can also lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as improve the health of your skin and help you to shed kilos. Add strawberries to cereal, in smoothies, or eat a cup of them on their own to increase your daily fibre intake.
Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh strawberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup low-fat yogurt
Sugar (to taste)
Method:
This simple recipe involves using a food processor or blender to first blend the strawberries, followed by yogurt and the half cup of orange juice.
You may add sugar, if you prefer.
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides a couple of times and you should have a nicely blended smoothie in less than 15 seconds.
