Strawberries : Lovely Fruit, have lots of Health Benefits

Strawberries are like nutritional gems, choc-full with health benefits! These little red berries have been prized for their medicinal benefits since the likes of Julius Caesar walked the earth... So lets check them out!

Firstly, strawberries are a fantastic source of vitamin C. While oranges get all the publicity, 1/2 a punnet of these quiet achievers can provide you with 55mg of vitamin C, thats more than a days worth! Research also suggests that vitamin C may lower the risk of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract.

Folate is a nutrient that is getting more and more focus these days, as it is super important for pregnant women and foetus, so to avoid birth defects such as spina bifida. 1/2 a punnet of strawberries will provide you with 10% of your daily requirements of folate so get munching!

Phytochemicals, or anti-oxidants as they are commonly known. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals which are harmful particles in our bodies which encourage damage and ageing. Strawberries contain antioxidants , and one in particular called Ellagic acid. Ellagic acid helps combat carcinogens, free radicals which are linked to cancer. It also turns out that strawberries are better at fighting free radicals than many other fruits like oranges, grapes and kiwi fruit.

Fibre. Well we all know how important in is to stay regular and this is what Strawberries will help you do. The seeds are a good source of insoluble fibre which helps prevent constipation. The strawberry flesh contains soluble fibre and pectin which has been found to help with lowering cholesterol.

But wait there's more! On top of all this there are 3 more great health benefits that can be gained from eating strawberries:

• strawberries may help lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
• Strawberries have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities which help maintain kidney and bladder health.
• Strawberries are low GI at only 40 points which means they are a great food option for diabetics.

 Well there you go, 7 reasons for why Strawberries are really nutritional gems...so what are you waiting for? Go get into 'em!

Source : DesiDieter.Com

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