The strawberry is a well-known fruit for desserts, juices and even pure. Its flavor is quite characteristic, combining sour and sweet. Source of several vitamins , it brings several benefits to human health.
Check out the qualities of this fruit and learn how to include it in your diet!
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What is Strawberry good for?
The strawberry promotes multiple benefits for the quality of life, acting in areas such as heart, immune and digestive systems, hair, nails, among others. Source of vitamins, it also has flavonoids – antioxidants – that help in maintaining the health of the body.
To the heart
The potassium present in the fruit promotes the dilation of blood vessels and helps to reduce the impacts of sodium on the body, helping to prevent heart attacks.
For the brain
Together with fisetin (natural dye), the potassium present in the fruit fights memory loss and promotes the maintenance of cognitive functions.
For the intestine
The combination of the various properties of strawberries helps to inhibit cancerous tumors in the digestive tract. In addition, it also allows the elimination of toxins from the body, encouraging the functioning of the intestine.
For the skin
Due to the presence of vitamin C, together with ellagic acid (responsible for the protection of the tissues of the epidermis), the fruit helps to delay premature aging, helping in the production of collagen, responsible for the elasticity of the skin.
Due to the presence of Hydroxides (substances that act in cell renewal) in its composition, the ingestion of strawberries also promotes the removal of dead skin and combats excess oil, enabling the bleaching of spots and anti-wrinkle action.
For hair and nails
Rich in vitamin B7, the strawberry contributes to strong and nourished hair and nails. The vitamin acts to stimulate the production of keratin (protein that makes up hair and nails), allowing them to grow in a healthy way.
It is also a strong ally in combating hair loss and preventing white hair, repairing nutrients and contributing to more shiny and voluminous hair.
For bones
Strawberries have K vitamins and magnesium, which strengthen and help maintain bone health.
For weight
Because it has few calories – about 5kcal for every 1 strawberry – the fruit is a strong ally of weight loss, since it provides the feeling of satiety without great caloric gain.
Strawberries, in addition to containing few carbohydrates , can help maintain glycemia, which is blood sugar.
In this way, blood glucose and insulin spikes are reduced, which, when they occur, cause the sensation of hunger.
What does Strawberry prevent?
Strawberries have several properties that can help prevent premature aging, wrinkles on the skin, as well as weak nails and hair. Due to the vitamins and minerals present in it, infections and colds, coming from a drop in immunity, are also prevented. With the immune boost, the whole body is benefited.
The fruit is also a great element to regulate cholesterol. Through antioxidant pigments, it reduces the production of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increases that of good cholesterol (HDL). This inhibits the formation of fatty plaques in the arteries and decreases the risk of heart disease.
With that, the measures to prevent pressure changes can gain a little help with the consumption of the fruit, reducing the effects of sodium in the body.
Strawberry Benefits
There are many benefits for those who consume the strawberry. Check out some of them:
- Improves skin and prevents premature aging;
- It acts in the regulation of cholesterol;
- Assists in the proper functioning of the intestine;
- Strengthens hair and nails;
- Strengthens and protects the heart.
How to consume?
Strawberries can be consumed in several ways. One option is to eat in the middle of a fruit salad, along with foods such as bananas , apples, oranges, etc. Another possibility is to ingest it through juices and / or vitamins, with water or milk.
Although the fruit is very famous in recipes, such as sweet desserts, its benefits are best preserved when consumption is made in natura. This also prevents high calorie intake.
There is no ideal amount of daily intake, but moderation is always worth it. It is best to include the strawberry in the diet, so that it complements the nutritional content, without increasing the caloric intake excessively.
Strawberry is a naturally allergenic food (it is prone to cause allergies).
In addition, because most strawberries suffer from the action of pesticides in their planting, excessive consumption can cause side effects such as diarrhea , nausea and headaches.
How to choose strawberries?
To obtain all the benefits that the strawberry provides in a tasty way, it is important to pay attention when buying it. Therefore, some tips are valuable when going to the fair or the market.
- Color matters! In general, strawberries with a strong red color are the most delicious!
- Regarding the size, prefer the smaller ones, as they are usually sweeter.
- Leaves always! The foliage present in the strawberry – when bright green – reveals a fresh fruit!
- Pay attention to the smell! Fresh fruits have a strong and pleasant odor.
Strawberries provide several advantages for those who consume them, as well as other fruits.
The Healthy Minute brings more information about food. Check out other foods that besides being tasty, are health-friendly.