Strawberries are one of the most loved types of fruit for their sweet taste and juicy consistency. They are very nutritious also. They are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which protect cells from damage. The main antioxidants in strawberries are anthocyanins, which give the fruit its vibrant color. Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties to help fight chronic diseases.

Strawberries also contain other nutrients like potassium, potassium, folate (vitamin B9) and fiber.

Adding strawberries to a balanced diet can potentially offer a wide array of benefits, including fighting chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Nutrients in a one-cup serving of strawberries include:

• Calories: 53
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Vitamin C: 98 milligrams (mg), or about 109% of the daily value (DV)
• Folate: 40 micrograms (mcg), or about 10% of the DV
• Potassium: 220 mg, or about 6% of the DV

Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. Protect Heart Health

Strawberries are a good source of potassium, which is an important nutrient to help control blood pressure. Research shows that strawberries can also help you lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

2. Help Prevent Cancer

Strawberries may help prevent several types of cancer through their ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Strawberries have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animals with mouth cancer and in human liver cancer cells.

3. Strengthen Immune System

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C. A one cup serving of strawberries contains 98 mg of vitamin C. That’s more than an orange. Several types of immune cells need vitamin C for their production, function and protection.

4. Help Manage Blood Sugar

Strawberries have a glycemic index of 40, which is low. The glycemic load of one cup of fresh strawberries is 3.6, which is also low. This means that strawberries are a low-glycemic fruit and will not cause a large spike in your blood sugar levels if eaten in moderation.

Ways to Enjoy Strawberries

• Smoothies: Add strawberries to smoothies, along with other berries and ingredients.
• Toast: Use them on top of flavorful toasts, such as a slice of sourdough topped with ricotta cheese, strawberry slices, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
• Snacks: You can eat fresh strawberries as a snack.
• Salads: Add fresh strawberries to green salads for a pop of color.
• Breakfast Foods: Add strawberries to yogurt, pancakes, muffins, or oatmeal.
• Jams: Heat them on the stovetop with lemon juice and sugar or maple syrup for a simple homemade jam.

Summary

Strawberries are full of powerful nutritious compounds that help keep your body healthy and can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases. These compounds include fiber, folate, potassium, vitamin C, and anthocyanins. Strawberries are also lower in natural sugar compared to other fruits.

Enjoy fresh or frozen strawberries on their own or added to meals and snacks for a burst of natural sweetness and nutrients.