THE QUEEN OF FRUITS – STRAWBERRY

Fresh summer strawberries – also known as –‘the queen of fruits’ are one of the most loved, popular, refreshing and healthy treats on the planet. THE QUEEN OF FRUITS – STRAWBERRY

The history of the strawberry dates back to ancient Rome. Today, there are over 600 varieties of strawberries worldwide.

To be perfectly delicious-strawberries must be completely ripe but ripeness lasts just one day!

Awesome HEALTH BENEFITS -The Queen of Fruits Strawberry

Strawberries boast a range of potential benefits to the health and can protect against a range of diseases.

1. HEART DISEASE

The high fiber content, vitamin C and folate in strawberries form an ideal cardiac health pack because they effectively reduce cholesterol in the arteries and vessels.

Regular consumption of anthocyanins, found in berries, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 32 % in young and middle-aged women. They improved blood vessel function and blood pressure and decreasing the tendency for dangerous blood clots ( thrombosis) forming inside blood vessels.

2. CANCER–

Strawberries can affect risk for several different cancers in several different ways. They can even help reverse cancer growth. Phytochemical has shown the ability to prevent cancers of the lung, skin, bladder, esophagus and breast.

It is absolutely crucial to consume only Organic Strawberries. The powerful antioxidants in strawberries work against free radicals, inhibiting tumor growth and decreasing inflammation in the body. Daily intake of strawberries is connected to a drastic reduction in the presence and metastasis of cancer cells. A study showed that freeze-dried strawberry powder showed results to prevent esophageal cancer.

Strawberries are rich in ellagic acid, a phytochemical that has been shown to destroy hydrocarbons, potentially cancer causing chemical in cigarette smoking.

THE QUEEN OF FRUITS – STRAWBERRY

3. BLOOD PRESSURE–

The high fiber content, vitamin C and folate in strawberries form an ideal cardiac health pack as they effectively reduce cholesterol in the arteries and vessels.

Regular consumption of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids found in berries, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 32 % in young and middle-aged women. They improved blood vessel function and blood pressure and decreasing the tendency for dangerous blood clots(thrombosis) forming inside blood vessels.

4. DIABETES–

Strawberries may be sweet, but this fruit is actually a beneficial treat to diabetic patients. The strawberry has a low glycemic index (40) and high fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and keep it stable by avoiding extreme highs and lows.

Eating about 37 strawberries a day can significantly reduce the complications of diabetes. Strawberries are a smart fruit choice for diabetics.

5. ALLERGY & ASTHMA–

Consuming strawberries can help relieve allergy related symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. The incidence of asthma can be greatly reduced with a high intake of vitamin C, which is abundant in strawberry.

Strawberries contain bioflavonoids, which have been studied as having beneficial effects on reducing frequency of asthmatic attacks and their severity.

6. STRAWBERRY IMPROVE EYESIGHT–

A majority of eye-related problems are brought on by the generation of free radicals. Old age and a deficit of protective nutrients enable free radicals to cause serious damages to the eyes such as degeneration of the optic nerve, increased vulnerability to eye infections.

Strawberries are abundant in Ellagic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic phytochemicals that help prevent such problems to a large degree. Strawberries also contain potassium that helps to regulate ocular pressure. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-22 mm Hg.

 

7. PREGNANCY AND BIRTH DEFECTS–

Strawberries contain good amounts of folic acid, which is essential during pregnancy.Adequate folic acid in the diet can help reduce the risk of premature birth and several other conditions.

Folate is a type of B vitamin that helps cells to properly function, tissues grow, and is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Taking the right amount of folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects, including spina bifida. Folate also helps prevent anemia and also prevents postpartum depression in new moms.

8. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM– The Queen of Fruits Strawberry

Your immune system is your first line of defense against pathogenic assault and other potentially harmful conditions. Strawberries can toughen immune system.

 Strawberries are full of antioxidants and an excellent source of vitamin C, that neutralizes free radicals and strengthens your immune system’s response against infections such as the common cold. A single serving has approximately 150% of your daily requirement of vitamin C!

9. BOOST BRAIN FUNCTION–

Strawberries are excellent for improving your memory and overall brain functioning. Strawberries are rich in iodine, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, which help maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Potassium, in strawberries, also has been linked to an improved cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain.

10. ANTI AGING–

Free radicals can cause premature aging of the brain and nervous system in younger adults. Vitamin C in strawberries boosts collagen production, has an anti-aging effect. 

Strawberries are also an excellent source of iodine that is beneficial for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Recent studies on students suggest that high intake of potassium the flavonol and fisetin,(that gives the strawberry its scarlet color), enhances memory and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

11. HELP TREAT ARTHRITIS AND GOUT–

Free radicals cause degeneration of muscles and tissues, decrease mobility of joints, and accumulation of toxic substances such as uric acid (Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines).Most of the time, a high uric acid level occurs when your kidneys don’t eliminate uric acid efficiently in the body. These phenomena are the primary causes of arthritis and gout.

 

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants that help treat these conditions and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain associated with arthritis.

RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS-

Every year, the Environmental Working Group produces a list of vegetables and fruits with the highest levels of pesticide residue,(known as the “Dirty Dozen”) and strawberries come high on the list.

The Environmental Working Group suggests that people buy ORGANIC strawberries to ensure a lower risk of pesticide exposure. If organic produce is outside of your budget, there is no need to worry. The nutritional benefit of eating conventionally grown produce far outweighs the risk of not eating strawberries at all.

The risks, however, are minor and far outweighed by the benefits. Rinse the fruit or vegetables well with water. Studies have shown that washing your produce can reduce the pesticide residue, but won’t eliminate all pesticides.

Source: Food Remedies: Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies

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