The Health Benefits of Strawberries

Apr 20, 2011

Submitted by Linda Schloemp, General Manager @ O2 Fitness Falls/540

Summer is coming and the produce section is getting better each day. One of our personal favorites summer fruit @ O2 Fitness is, of course, Strawberries. Here's why:

Nutrients in Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber and Vitamins C and K. They are a very good source of manganese, pantothenic acid, vitamin B1, and iodine. They are a good source of folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6. Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants, which can decrease the risk of chronic disease.

Cancer Prevention

Ellagic acid is present in many red fruits and berries, including raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and cranberries. Studies have shown that strawberry consumption can increase anti-cancer activity on cancer cells of the breast, oesophagus, skin, colon, prostate and pancreas. More specifically, ellagic acid prevents the destruction of P53 gene by cancer cells. Ellagic acid can also bind with cancer causing molecules, thereby making them inactive. Strawberries have also been shown to significantly reduce liver cancer cells.

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

In addition to their known beneficial effects on cancer and heart disease, the antioxidant qualities of strawberries may also be beneficial in reversing the course of neuronal and behavioural aging. Due to their positive effects against anti-neurodegenerative diseases, strawberries are helpful in slowing the onset and reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cardiovascular Health

Strawberries have also been linked with effecting blood vessels, platelets and lipoproteins positively, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.

Anti Inflammatory

Strawberry extracts have also been shown to inhibit COX enzymes in vitro, which inhibits the inflammatory process.

Glycemic Index (GI) of Strawberries

In a study to determine the estimated GI of various foods, it was concluded that strawberries have a low GI of 40.

 



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