Wondering how to boost your daily intake of vitamins and antioxidants? Strawberries are the perfect go-to. These sweet and flavorful ground berries are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, Vitamin C, manganese, folate (Vitamin B9), and potassium, via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They also contain small amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and Vitamins B6, K, and E.
Though strawberries have a decent amount of sugar, they are listed by the Diabetes Care Community as a low-glycemic food because they will not raise your blood sugar levels immediately. The antioxidants in these berries may have something to do with it. Regular consumption of strawberries (and blueberries) has been linked to healthier blood sugar levels, according to studies published in the journals Antioxidants and Nutrients.
With all of these health benefits in mind, you may want to try eating strawberries on a daily basis. And no, eating this red fruit every day will not turn your skin red.
A daily dose of strawberries can boost heart, brain, and digestive health
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggests that regularly eating foods high in Vitamin C, such as strawberries, can improve cardiovascular health. This is in part because Vitamin C inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Oxidized LDL enters the inner lining of the arteries and causes them to harden, according to Verywell Health.
Consuming strawberries and other berries on a daily basis can also keep your brain healthy, as one study published in the Annals of Neurology found. Researchers analyzed data from over 121,700 women, and discovered that a high intake of blueberries and strawberries was associated with a slower rate of memory decline. This was likely due to the anthocyanidins and flavonoids in strawberries, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties.
Your digestive system will reap the benefits of strawberries as well. One cup of this fresh fruit contains nearly 3 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber, per the USDA. As explained by MedlinePlus, soluble fiber is essential to proper digestion because it draws water into the intestinal tract, helping the body absorb nutrients. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps waste pass more quickly through the intestines.
Just remember that the more frequently you consume these tasty fruits, the more benefits you may experience. Whether you toss them into a bowl of oatmeal or dip them in dark chocolate, your strawberries will be an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
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