Whether fresh or frozen, there's no denying that strawberries are a popular fruit - but they also pack a healthy punch.
Read on to learn 10 surprising health benefits of strawberries
1. Strawberries boost immunity
"Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C," says Toronto-based registered dietitian Madeleine Edwards. Most mammals - except for humans - have the ability to produce vitamin C naturally, which is why it's so important to get your daily requirement. "One serving of strawberries contains 51.5 mg of vitamin C - about half of your daily requirement," Edwards says. "Double a serving to one cup and get 100 percent." Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant.
2. Strawberries promote eye health
The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts - the clouding over of the eye lens - which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun's harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye's cornea and retina.
3. Strawberries help fight cancer
Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body's best defense. A phytochemical called ellagic acid - also found in strawberries - is another. "Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth," says Edwards. "Strawberries also contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells," she says. The term "free-radicals" refers to damaged cells that weaken other cells around them in an effort to repair themselves, which can lead to cell abnormalities and even cancer.
4. Strawberries keep wrinkles at bay
The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin's elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin. But vitamin C isn't the only naturally-occuring wrinkle fighter found in strawberries. Researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea concluded that ellagic acid visibly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response - two major factors in the development of wrinkles - in human skin cells, after continued exposure to skin-damaging UV-B rays. continued >>
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