34 Amazing Benefits Of Strawberries
Strawberry is a delicious fruit known for its unique taste, aroma, and texture. It is a hybrid species of the genus Fragaria. Strawberries provide many health and beauty benefits as they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.
Health Benefits Of Strawberries
(1) Keep Our Eyes Healthy
Strawberries are good for the eyes as the antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc, protect the eyes from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma.
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of eyes, and lists the risk of night blindness.
Potassium in strawberries regulate blood pressure in the blood vessels of the eyes and benefit against glaucoma.
(2) Boost Our Immune System
Strawberries strengthen our immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that prevents and treats various microbial infections and diseases as well as injuries and wounds.
It contains antioxidants like vitamin C and other associated compounds that protect the immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and boost immunity.
Vitamins C further strengthens immunity by enhancing the production of white blood cells in the body
With stronger immunity, we are less likely to get a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
The antimicrobial properties of strawberries reduce the risk of various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, and potassium, etc in the strawberries also strengthen our immune system.
(3) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Strawberries contain anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and dietary fibers that reduce pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
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(4) Protection Against Various Cancer(s)
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other compounds like flavonoids, etc in strawberries protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
(5) Improves Neurological Health
Strawberries improve our neurological health as they contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and flavonoids like anthocyanins that protect the neurons from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Iodine in strawberries helps with brain development.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium, etc in the strawberry also contribute to neurological health as they provide several cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, better focus, improved concentration, and reduced mental confusion, etc.
(6) Regulates High Blood Pressure
Strawberries contain potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels improves blood circulation, and relieves high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a common health problem that affects millions worldwide and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Zinc and magnesium in strawberries also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consult with your doctor before adding strawberries to your routine to avoid food-drug intolerance.
Eat strawberries moderately as otherwise, they may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc because of high potassium levels.
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(7) Manages Cholesterol Level
Strawberries help in managing cholesterol levels as dietary fibers in them reduce LDL cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that hardens and narrows our arteries because of the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls.
It is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(8) Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Strawberries improve our cardiovascular health as they contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc that protect our cardiovascular system from the oxidative stress of free radicals.
Dietary fibers in strawberries reduce LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.
Potassium in strawberries regulates high blood pressure, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
B vitamins in strawberries strengthen cardiac muscles and improve heart functioning.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc. in strawberries also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(9) Improves Bone Health
Strawberries strengthen our bones and teeth as they contain bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.
Calcium is required for the growth and development of the bones, and lack of it may cause bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Potassium improves bone density by neutralizing the acids responsible for calcium loss from the bones.
Magnesium contributes to bone health by improving bone density.
Manganese in strawberries increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in strawberry minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which protective tissues at the ends of bones wear down.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
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(10) Good For Digestive Health
Strawberries are good for our digestive health as the vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, etc in them protect our digestive system from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
Dietary fibers in strawberries are natural laxatives that improve bowel movement and relieve constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.
The abundance of water ( around 92 percent) in strawberries also promotes healthy digestion.
(11) Keep us Hydrated
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is needed for various biological functions.
Our body is made up of about 70 percent water, and for some vital organs like the brain and kidneys, this level is even higher than 80%.
Strawberries keep us hydrated as it has an abundance of water (around 92 percent).
It reduces the risk of dehydration which may give rise to symptoms like excessive thirst, dark yellow, and strong-smelling pee, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, increased heartbeat, decreased urine frequency, and dry mouth, etc.
(12) Manages Diabetes
Because of its low glycemic index of 41, strawberry releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and helps in managing diabetes.
The dietary fibers in the strawberries slow down sugar absorption by the bloodstream and regulate blood sugar levels.
Eat strawberries in moderation as otherwise, they may lower blood sugar abnormally causing symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability or moodiness.
If you are on diabetic medication, eat strawberries after consulting with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
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(13) Benefit During Pregnancy
Strawberries are beneficial during pregnancy as Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc. protect the uterus and the fetus developing in the womb from free radical damage.
Folate or folic acid in it promotes the brain development of the fetus and minimizes the risk of neural tube defects and spina bifida.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, choline, and manganese, etc also play an important role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Strawberries regulate blood sugar and minimize the risk of gestational diabetes.
Consult your doctor before adding strawberries to your diet to avoid food-drug intolerance and ensure the safety of both mother and child.
(14) Provides Relief From Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety may cause harm to our physical, mental, and emotional health, and it is important to keep them under check.
Essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and magnesium, etc in strawberries help in reducing stress and anxiety.
Vitamin C reduces stress hormones in the blood and also reduces other typical indicators of physical and emotional stress such as weight loss, enlargement of adrenal glands, diminution of the thymus gland, etc.
Magnesium interacts with GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons in the brain calms our nervous system, and encourages sleep.
Zinc inhibits cortisol secretion in the blood.
Strawberries regulate homocysteine levels in the body.
Homocysteine may prevent the nutrients from reaching our brain, and also interfere with the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
(15) Promotes Weight Loss
Strawberries help with weight loss because of their low caloric value of 32 calories per 100 grams.
Dietary fibers in strawberries satisfy our stomach for longer and controls overeating, a major cause of obesity.
The abundance of water (around 92 percent) in strawberries contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases absorption of nutrients.
As per research published in The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, anthocyanins in strawberries may reduce the risk of weight gain by around 24 percent.
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Beauty Benefits Of Strawberries For Skin
Following are the major beauty benefits of strawberries for the skin.
(1) Minimise Signs of Premature Aging
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, etc in strawberries protect our skin cells from free radical damage.
It minimizes various signs of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots and skin blemishes, etc.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
The topical application of strawberry juice also provides anti-aging benefits.
For this, mix one teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of milk cream, and some mashed strawberries to form a paste.
Apply the paste on your face and neck.
Wait for 15-20 minutes, and wash off with clean water.
Regular use softens skin and minimizes fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
(2) Wonderful Skin Cleanser
Strawberry is a wonderful skin cleanser as it contains many cleansing agents like vitamin C, salicylic acid and ellagic acid, etc.
Because of this reason, strawberry extract is often used as a major ingredient in various cosmetic products like skin cleansers, face washes, and face masks, etc.
Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells and tightens skin pores.
Ellagic acid is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and provides anti-aging benefits.
Strawberries remove impurities from the skin and make it soft and radiant.
(3) Improves Skin Complexion
Strawberries improve our skin health as it contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin C protect the skin from free radical damage and keep signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Vitamins and minerals in strawberries provide nourishment to the skin and improve skin smoothness and skin complexion.
Because of their cleansing and exfoliating properties, strawberries bring out the natural glow of the skin.
Consuming strawberries as fruit or juice, as well as topical application of the same help.
For improving skin complexion, apply some freshly squeezed strawberry juice on your face using a cotton ball.
Wait for 10-15 minutes, and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Regular use brings out the skin’s natural glow and provides anti-aging benefits.
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(4) Excellent Skin Toner
Strawberry is a wonderful skin toner that removes dirt, grime, and impurities from our skin pores, and minimizes the risk of various skin problems.
To use strawberries as a skin toner, mix 50 ml of rose water to freshly squeezed strawberry juice, and freeze.
Apply this strawberry-rosewater on the affected area to remove impurities from the skin pores.
They also keep our skin free of wrinkles and blemishes.
(5) Protects From The Harmful UV Rays Of Sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays may damage the skin and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and ellagic acid, etc in the strawberries protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimizes the risk of skin cancer.
(6) Treats Acne
Acne is a common skin problem mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, grime, and other unwanted substances in our skin pores.
It affects millions of people around the world.
Strawberries help in treating acne as it contains dietary fibers, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and flavonoids, etc that clears out acne from the skin.
Dietary fibers in strawberries remove impurities and unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in our system they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores, and the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples diminish automatically.
Dietary fibers control the secretion of excess oil from the oil glands of the skin and prevent acne from worsening.
For treating acne, mix one tablespoon of milk to 7-8 mashed strawberries to form a paste.
Apply the paste on your face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with water.
Repeat twice a week to get rid of acne.
(7) Provides Relief From Dark Circles And Under-Eye Puffiness
Because of their astringent properties, strawberries help in reducing dark circles and under-eye puffiness
For reducing under-eye puffiness, put thin slices of strawberries under your eyes.
Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.
Apply moisturizer.
Ensure that you are at a cool and shaded place as it helps with providing relaxation to the eye muscles.
(8) Treats Pigmentation
Ellagic acid, an antioxidant in strawberries, helps in curing light hyperpigmentation.
It is a condition in which the UV rays of the Sun inhibit the synthesis of melanin (the next helping means that gives color to the skin).
(9) Repairs Skin Tissues
Strawberries help in repairing skin tissues as they contain Vitamin C that boosts the production of collagen in our body.
Collagen is an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and helps with cell regeneration.
It accelerates wound healing.
Vitamin C repairs damaged skin and also protects it from free radical damage.
(10) Effective Foot Scrub
Strawberry can be used as an effective foot scrub for making feet soft and crack-free.
For treating cracked feet, mix 6 to 8mashed strawberries, a few drops of glycerine, and powdered oats to make a paste.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes and then take them out.
Gently scrub with the mixture formed earlier.
Regular use will remove dead skin cells from the heels, and make them soft, and crack-free.
(11) Prevents Our Lips From Being Dull And Dry
The essential nutrients in the strawberries aid in treating dark lips.
Because of its exfoliating properties, strawberries remove dead skin cells from their lips and prevent them from becoming dry and dull.
High water content in strawberries (about 92%) hydrates our lips and prevents them from drying.
For this, match a strawberry and gently rub the flash of the mashed strawberry on the lips for a few minutes.
Wait for 5 minutes, and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Repeat two to three times per week.
Or,
Mix 1 tablespoon of strawberry juice and 2 tablespoons of petroleum jelly, and refrigerate.
Use the refrigerated mixture as a lip balm and apply two to three times per day.
(12) Whitens Teeth
Natural teeth cleaning agents like vitamin C in strawberries help with teeth whitening.
Vitamin C breaks down plaque and makes it easier for it to get removed from the teeth.
It reduces the yellowness of teeth.
The malic acid in strawberries helps in transforming teeth from yellow to Pearly white.
For teeth whitening, grind 1 to 2 strawberries to form a paste, and apply it to the teeth.
Wait for a few minutes, and rinse off with warm water.
Repeat twice a day for 4 weeks For visible results.
Or,
Rub a half strawberry back and forth on your teeth.
Wait for a minute, and rinse off with warm water.
(13) Keep Our Nails Healthy And Strong
Biotin in strawberries strengthens our nails. It improves keratin formation, and this helps with nail growth.
Vitamin C and folic acid in strawberries also help in the growth of healthy nails.
Beauty Benefits Of Strawberries For Hair
Following are the major beauty benefits of strawberries for hair.
(1) Prevents Hair Thinning And Hair Loss
Strawberries are good for the hair and protect them from thinning or falling.
It is effective in delaying androgenetic Alopecia, a typical male pattern hair loss that affects millions around the world.
Ellagic acid, folic acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6 in strawberries minimize hair thinning and aids in treating androgenetic alopecia.
(2) Make Our Hair Silky And Shiny
Strawberries make our hair soft and shiny.
For this, mix 7 to 8 mashed ripe strawberries, and one tablespoon of mayonnaise to form a paste.
Apply the paste all over the hair follicles and scalp, and cover with a shower cap for 20-25 minutes.
Rinse off with water, and shampoo.
Regular use makes hair silky and shiny.
(3) Keep Our Hair Moisturized
Strawberries moisturize our hair and nourish them.
Antioxidants in strawberries protect the cell membranes of the scalp from the formation of a hydrophobic layer.
To moisturize hair, mix some mashed strawberries and egg yolk to form a paste.
Apply the paste on the scalp, and after 5-10 minutes rinse off with water.
(4) Fights Dandruff
Strawberries aid in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem.
For treating dandruff, mix some mashed strawberries and tea tree oil or thyme oil, and apply on the scalp.
Regular use treats dandruff and prevents scalp dryness.
(5) Prevents Fungal Growth
Strawberries are antifungal and thus prevent fungal growth.
Because of their antifungal properties, strawberries prevent fungal growth on the scalp and minimize the risk of various scalp problems.
Copper and manganese in strawberries also contribute to antifungal benefits as they combine with a dicarboxylic acid and inhibit fungal growth on the scalp.
(6) Can Be Used As Scalp Exfoliator
Because of its exfoliating properties, strawberries remove dead skin cells from the scalp
It should be noted that it is effective in removing dead cells not only for our skin but also from our scalp.
For scalp exfoliation, mix strawberries, and yogurt or orange juice and apply it to the scalp.
Regular use removes dead skin cells from the scalp and promotes scalp health.
Note – If you are allergic to strawberries, don’t use strawberries for skin and hair treatment.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not to be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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