You might already be accustomed to grabbing a handful of strawberries as a snack, throwing them in your morning smoothie or enjoying a summer strawberry and spinach salad, but what you might not be aware of is just how healthy they are.
Not only are strawberries low in fat and calories, but they have a lot of nutritional benefits. With just a cup of them a day, you can gain loads of vitamins and minerals. WebMD says:
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, strawberries are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. First cultivated in ancient Rome, strawberries are now the most popular berry fruit in the world.
1. Strawberries Contain a Lot of Antioxidants
In terms of antioxidants, which can help fight bad cholesterol and carcinogens, strawberries are one of the best sources. There is a high level of concentrated antioxidants in strawberries, helping to make you a healthier individual overall. These antioxidants keep you from getting ill, can help reduce your risk for cancer, and help you avoid high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Have a cup of strawberries with your morning yogurt or simply grab a few when you’re looking for a healthy snack.
2. Strawberries Help to Burn Fat
If you have been trying to lose weight, you are probably turning to strawberries as a healthy, low-fat snack. Not only do they have this benefit, but they can actually help to burn some of your stored fat.
This means not only do they help you lose weight, but can aid you in preventing weight gain when you enter maintenance mode with your weight loss journey. When you are on a diet, replace one of your side dishes at lunch with a cup of berries for a delicious and low-calorie snack.
3. Strawberries Improve Brain Function
Strawberries are also excellent at improving your brain function as you get older, which is why many doctors suggest them for seniors. This is also due to the antioxidants in the berry, which can help restore your memories, maintain your current level of fine motor skills, and help with your brain and nervous system. If you are at risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia, you should definitely be increasing your strawberry intake. One of the easiest ways to do this is to start preparing a breakfast smoothie each morning with yogurt, milk, ice, strawberries and other fruits. Other berries also contain antioxidants, while fruits like bananas and apples are also very good for you and make a good addition to the smoothie.
4. Strawberries Help Build a Stronger Immune System
Not only do the antioxidants in strawberries help you avoid illness and infections, but so does the vitamin C content. Vitamin C is known as an immune system booster, where it can help you stave off illnesses, viruses, and infections. You will notice that when strawberries start becoming a part of your regular diet, you don’t get the seasonal colds like you used to, you rarely get the flu, and you aren’t as susceptible to cancer, heart disease, or infections.