Many benefits of strawberries
In the latest issue of Home-Dzine Online we discuss how to grow your own strawberries. While you know that strawberries are one of the most delicious fruits, did you also know that strawberries help maintain good health?
Strawberries are packed full of phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red colour to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body's uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
By inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do, the phenols in strawberries also fight against many infammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis - without the unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Anti-Cancer
Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that are found in this fruit, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells. The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer.
Healthy Eyes
Recent studies in opthalmology show that three or more servings of strawberries - as well as other fruits and berries - per day can decrease the onset of age-related macular degeneration by over one-third. In fact, one cup of strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C and is claimed to ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Assist with cardiovascular diseases
Stawberries also contain manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochonrdria exposed to oxygen, manganese not only helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress, but also lessens cellular inflammation - another cause of numerous cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health