In a way, the strawberry is a versatile fruit. In addition to its delicious taste, this bright red and freckled round fruit also has a myriad of benefits for the body. So, what are the benefits of strawberries? Check out the following explanation until it’s finished.
Strawberry content is important for the body
Before explaining about the benefits of strawberries, let’s first find out what the nutritional content is in this beautiful fruit.
Reporting from Food Data Central, in 100 grams of strawberry fruit contains the following.
1. On: 90,95 gr
2. Energi: 32 kcal
3. Carbohydrates: 7.68 gr
4. Vitamin C: 58,8 gr
5. Vitamin A: 1 mcg
6. Beta carotene 7 mcg
7. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): 0,29 mg
8. Vitamin K: 2.2 mcg
9. Vitamin B6: 0,047 mg
10. Lemak total: 0,67 gr
11. Price: 4.89 gr
12. Serat: 2 gr
13. Kalsium: 16 mg
14. Potassium: 153 mg
15. Iron: 0.41 mg
16. Magnesium: 13 mg
17. Fosfor: 24 mg
18. Zink: 0,14 mg
19. Riboflavin: 0,022 mg
20. Folate: 24 mcg
21. Choline: 5.7 mcg
Various benefits of strawberries for body health
The following are the benefits of strawberries that you need to know.
1. Maintain healthy eyes and hair
Strawberries are enriched by vitamin C and antioxidants — such as flavonoids, phenolics, phytochemicals, and ellagic acid.
Both can help fight free radicals so that the eyes can avoid problems such as dry eyes, macular degeneration and cataracts. Antioxidants in strawberries can also help clean and protect hair condition.
In addition, the potassium content in strawberries is also believed to be effective in overcoming the problem of ocular pressure in the eyeball which can harm vision.
2. Increase immunity
Various studies say that drinking strawberry juice regularly can help boost immunity. This is because strawberries are rich in vitamin C.
Good immunity will prevent you from various diseases caused by viral and bacterial infections. That way, you can live a healthier life.
In addition, vitamin C in strawberries also acts as an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals that can harm the body.
3. Prevent cancer
Vitamin C, folic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin, and kaempferol are several types of flavonoids contained in strawberries that have anti-carcinogenic effects.
This anti-carcinogenic content can fight cancer-causing tumor growth, and prevent the metastasis (spread) of cancer cells in the body. Drink strawberry juice regularly to avoid the dangers of cancer.
4. Improve brain function
The benefits of strawberries that are no less important are improving brain function. This is because the content of strawberries which are rich in anthocyanidin and flavonoids are effective in preventing memory loss.
Based on research conducted by Elizabeth Devore from Harvard University, it was concluded that elderly women who consumed two or more servings of strawberries each week had a better memory.
5. Prevent high blood pressure
One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming foods rich in anthocyanins such as strawberries can prevent high blood pressure.
In addition to providing a color effect, anthocyanins in strawberries can also help open blood flow.
This effect is especially pronounced in those aged 60 and under. However, that doesn’t mean you ignore treatment from a doctor, you still have to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
6. Reducing the risk of heart attack
The function of anthocyanins in other strawberries is to prevent heart attacks. Although it is not known for sure, a number of studies have explained this.
One of them is research conducted by Dr. Eric Rimm who showed that those who often eat strawberries and other berries have a lower risk of a heart attack.
7. Prevent the risk of stroke
The next important benefit of strawberries is preventing strokes. This is because the anthocyanins in strawberries can prevent hypertension.
Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke. Therefore, by consuming strawberries regularly, blood pressure can be controlled thereby reducing the risk of stroke.
8. Control blood sugar
Experts explain that antioxidants and various other compounds such as phytochemicals, anthocyanins and ellagitannins contained in strawberries can help control blood sugar.
In addition, because it has a low glycemic index, strawberries are safe for consumption by diabetics. You can get natural sweetness from strawberries as a substitute for regular sugar.
9. Helps reduce weight
For those of you who want to lose weight, you should include strawberries in the fruit diet menu list and other types of daily diets. This is due to the high content of dietary fiber in the fruit.
A number of clinical studies have proven that fiber plays a very important role in maintaining metabolism and regulating diet in people with obesity or overweight.
10. Maintain digestive health
In addition to losing weight, the fiber contained in strawberries can also help maintain digestive health.
Fiber functions to bind fat and dirt in the intestines, thereby preventing you from various diseases such as constipation and hemorrhoids. Fiber can also help intestinal flora to digest food better.
11. Overcoming inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
The next benefit of strawberries is to help prevent inflammation. Strawberry content that acts as an anti-inflammatory are polyphenols, anthocyanins, micronutrients and fiber.
Research conducted by nutritionists from Oklahoma State University in the United States concluded that the substances in strawberries play a role in preventing inflammation of body tissues, hyperglycemia, and various vascular diseases.
12. Prevent absorption of bad cholesterol (LDL)
A study by the National Public Health Institute in Helsinki, Finland, stated that the polyphenol content in strawberries and other berries can help the absorption of HDL or good cholesterol and prevent the absorption of bad cholesterol.
Therefore, regular consumption of strawberries can prevent you from various cardiovascular diseases caused by high cholesterol such as heart disease.
13. Overcoming acne
In addition to protecting the body from various dangerous diseases, it turns out that strawberries are also able to overcome acne.
This is because of the content of anti-inflammatory substances found in strawberries. These substances are able to prevent inflammation of the skin that causes acne.
14. Hydrates the skin
The water content in strawberries is effective for preventing dry skin. Well-hydrated skin will retain its moisture.
When moisture is maintained, the skin will be fresher and avoid the problems caused by dry skin.
15. Prevent premature aging
Strawberry is a fruit rich in Vitamin C. Numerous studies have proven the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing the skin from signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and wrinkles.
You can get the benefits of vitamin C from strawberries by grinding it and then applying it to your face. In addition, you can also consume it directly.
16. Lighten the skin
In addition to preventing premature aging, vitamin C contained in strawberries can also help make your skin brighter.
The content of sodium ascorbyl phosphate ( SAP ) or water-soluble vitamin C found in this fruit is believed to be a type of vitamin C that is able to provide more effective results in brightening the skin.
17. Protects the skin from the dangers of pollution and UV rays
The benefits of strawberries that are important for the next skin are protecting from the dangers of pollution and UV rays. This is thanks to the content of strawberries which are rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants in strawberries can ward off free radicals caused by pollution and protect the skin from the dangers of ultraviolet light.
How to eat strawberries
Strawberry is a fruit that is rich in benefits. However, you need to pay attention to the correct serving method so that the nutrients contained in it are maintained.
To get the benefits of strawberries you should not cook them at high temperatures. This is so that the vitamins, minerals, and a number of other nutrients contained in the fruit are not lost.
You should consume strawberries in a state that is still fresh, for example by eating directly or as a salad.
Apart from that, you can also process it into smoothies or strawberry juice using cold water or ice cubes.
You can store strawberries in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. But preferably, not too long so that the nutrients are not reduced.