Goodness of Strawberries
April 6, 2009
Strawberries are perhaps the loveliest of all fruits and berries. We all know that strawberries not only look so beautiful, they also taste great. But very few of us really know the real goodness of strawberries.
The Romans prized strawberry for its medicinal properties. It has more Vitamin C than any citrus fruit. It helps control ageing and also prevents the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancer. Strawberries should ideally be a part of our daily diet. Strawberries are the most delicious way to a well-rounded body and a healthy immune system.
Nutrients in strawberries
Strawberries contain a wide variety of nutrients. But they contain Vitamin C the most. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. Free radicals are elements that can damage cells, and they are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer. These antioxidant properties are believed to be linked to what makes the strawberry bright red.
In addition to vitamin C, strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Medicinal uses of strawberries
Anti-oxidant
Strawberries are among the most versatile of fresh fruits. A strawberry is a superstar when it comes to anti-oxidant power. 1 cup of strawberries gives you a whopping 140 percent of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Strawberries are also packed with flavonoids, two in particular, called quercetin and kaempferol. Research shows that these two flavonoids help keep “bad” (LDL) cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging artery walls.
Anti cancer
Strawberries also contain ellargic acid which acts as a scavenger to “bind” cancer-causing chemicals, making them inactive. It inhibits the ability of other chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria. In addition, it prevents binding of carcinogens to DNA and reduces the incidence of cancer in cultured human cells exposed to carcinogens.
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