For anybody not a secret that the strawberry is the “Queen” of all berries.
Gone are the days when strawberry was exclusively seasonal product. Now this berry can be seen on the shelves all year round. But, whatever you say, and a real, fragrant, luscious, deep scarlet from the sun and the most useful strawberry appears on our table only to fly. And now is the time to get everything the most useful thing it makes. And use in strawberries a lot. Especially in the summer growing up on the beds under the sun, writes the Chronicle.Info with reference on HealthInfo.
1. Strawberry occupies the 4th place in the ranking of foods rich in antioxidants
Move over, spinach and broccoli: in a ranking of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, strawberries are second only to blackberries, cranberries and raspberries, taking an honorable 4th place. First of all, thanks to the content of the flavonoid anthocyanin. It gives the strawberry its rich red color. But for us more importantly, it has antioxidant properties and effectively fights free radicals, protecting the body from premature aging and serious diseases. Color matters: the darker the color of the berry, the more anthocyanins. That’s why sun berries from the garden healthier light red greenhouse. But anthocyanins are not the only antioxidants contained in strawberries.
2. Strawberry – a unique source of ellagic acid
Royal berry ranks third among the foods rich in ellagic acid. Scientists believe this substance is one of the most effective anti-cancer funds. But if you read the entire list of useful properties of ellagic acid, it will impress anyone. Proved the following properties of this substance: is able to suppress the neoplastic process, fights free radicals, prevents gene mutations and prevents the development of congenital defects (note pregnant), has anti-inflammatory effect, has krovoostanavlivayuschee, wound-healing effect, has cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties, increases the amount of digestive enzymes of gastric juice. And it’s not the whole list.
3. Strawberry – excellent source of vitamin C
You may find that hard to believe, but in 8 medium-sized strawberries contains more vitamin C than one orange. That vitamin C is also one of the most powerful antioxidants and Immunostimulants, and do not need to say. In addition, in the presence of vitamin C is better absorbed iron, so necessary to all urban residents in the fight against anemia. It is believed that 6 strawberries contains daily dose of vitamin C. But you need to keep in mind: berries, grown in the sun, contain significantly more vitamin C than those grown under artificial lighting or even in the shade. To distinguish these berries just gives them color. Deep red from tip to tail – the ones that you need.
4. Strawberries – anti-cancer berry
Strawberry – one of the seven berries, which are recognized useful for the prevention of cancer. Contained in strawberries is vitamin C, ellagic acid and flavonoids anthocyanin, kemferol, folate, quartzitic prevent the development of some forms of cancer. In particular, this is confirmed by the research of the Center for cancer research at Ohio state University. And that’s a good reason to enter at least the strawberries in your summer diet, when it is particularly rich in these substances.
5. Strawberry improves memory and retains intelligence
Recent studies conducted by neurologists at two teaching hospitals at Harvard University, demonstrated that eating strawberries slows the aging process of the intellectual functions of the brain. In another study argues that daily consumption of strawberries for 8 weeks leads to improved short term memory by 100%. For reference: gradual deterioration of short-term memory (memory for recent events) is often associated with the early development of this form of dementia (senile dementia) as Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Strawberry has anti-inflammatory effect
Several studies on this subject confirm the fact: the antioxidants in strawberries, lower levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, which is the main marker of inflammatory processes in the body. First and foremost, this means reducing the risk of developing such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and a number of cardiovascular diseases associated with inflammatory processes.
7. Strawberry supports eye health
According to research, three servings of strawberries a week (about 8 berries per serving) prevent the development of macular degeneration of the retina (in this disease nerve cells are dying yellow spots of the retina – the most important part). In addition, strawberry can help in preventing age-related disease such as cataracts – one of the main causes of vision loss in the elderly. And all this is due to the unique biochemical composition of strawberries.
8. Strawberry normalizes blood sugar levels
Strange but true: being sweet berry, strawberry, however, does not lead to a sharp increase in blood sugar when it is not used. Moreover, its phytonutrients not give sugars from the stomach quickly enter the bloodstream. Slowing down the process of absorption of sugars (including glucose) in the blood, these substances prevent spikes of blood sugar (followed by a release of blood insulin). This property of the strawberry makes it a useful berry in the prevention of type II diabetes. And yet, thanks to this feature, the strawberry is one of the few sweet berries that are allowed to eat for diabetics.
9. Strawberry burns fat
This berry is perfect for those who want to go on a diet. It is low in calories, has a low glycemic index. And also contains substances that promote fat burning. In one study it is stated that weight loss with regular use of strawberries together with the main diet will be 24% more than those who followed the same diet but did not eat the strawberries or other berries with similar action.
Fat-burning has the same anthocyanin, which are especially numerous in summer strawberries. So, I decided to do a be good, the strawberries already growing in the beds.
10. Strawberries reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
This property has a strawberry for a variety of reasons. In addition to the already frequently mentioned antioxidants, ellagic acid and vitamin C in strawberries contains a rich supply of magnesium and potassium. This composition plays an important role in normalize blood pressure, prevent fluid retention and swelling (which also provoke an increase in blood pressure), improve fat metabolism and prevent the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.
11. Strawberry prevents many types of allergies
Surprised? However, it is a fact. The strawberry not only inhibits inflammatory processes in the body, but also prevents the development of a number of biochemical reactions associated with allergies. Why, then, the strawberry itself is considered by many to allergen? The fact that strawberries are porous and berries she grows and Matures in a period of rapid flowering of other plants. The pollen from these plants clog the pores on the surface of the berries. And it is this pollen that has collected strawberry on its surface, becomes for some people an allergen, and not the pulp of the berries.
12. Strawberry is good for pregnant women
Strawberry is a great natural source of folic acid, which is essential in the early stages of pregnancy, when it is in full swing development of the brain of the unborn child. Folic acid prevents defects in the nervous system and congenital anomalies of the brain. Contained in strawberries, ellagic acid prevents the appearance of mutations in genes. Vitamin C helps the expectant mother to stay healthy, and potassium and magnesium reduces swelling and circulation issues. In addition, it is believed that if the expectant mother ate the strawberries during pregnancy, the risk of Allergy development in her child in the future will be minimal.
13. Strawberry – rejuvenating berry
Strawberries are beneficial for bone health, skin. Has a rejuvenating effect, thanks all the same ellagic acid, – protecting from damage the elastic fibers in the skin. Rich in Biotin, strawberries helps to strengthen nails and hair. A bouquet of antioxidants fights the main culprits of aging – free radicals.
In short, if you haven’t discovered the strawberry season – it’s time to think about it seriously.
How to choose strawberries:
1. Choose only the bright, red and dark red, but not Burgundy, berries. If the strawberries start to get dark – it means that it is not quite fresh and it began to break down anthocyanin. The benefits of such berries will not be enough.
2. Fresh berries not grown in greenhouses have recognizable strawberry flavor.
3. Buying berries in the package, check no if the bottom was covered with berries with mold. From such purchase will be of little use, as many nutrients in it already destroyed.
4. Do not buy light strawberry, strawberries, which has half the berries red, and the other half green and white. Is a greenhouse the berries, not having those useful properties, which are mentioned above.
5. Do not take lightly podvyavshie strawberries. Perhaps it is possible to make the compote, but for the health of it useless.
