benefits of strawberries

Benefits of Strawberries

1. An introduction to strawberries
The strawberry,Fragaria, is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. There are more than 10 species of Fragaria that differ in flavour, size and texture yet they all have the same characteristic heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat together with small, regal, leafy green caps and stems that adorn their crowns.
2. Description
Fragrantly sweet strawberries are the most popular type of berry fruit in the world. Although they have become increasingly available year-round, they are at the peak of their season from April through July when they are the most delicious and most abundant. While there are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor, size and texture, one can usually identify a strawberry by its red flesh that has small seeds piercing its surface, and a small, regal, green leafy cap and stem that adorn its crown. Most commercially grown strawberries come from the genus-species Fragaria ananassa.
3. History
Strawberries have grown wild for millennia in temperature regions throughout the world. While cultivation of strawberries doesnt date back this far, it still dates back hundreds and hundreds of years. It was not until the 18th century, however, when cultivation of strawberries began to be pursued in earnest. In 1714, a French engineer sent to Chile and Peru to monitor Spanish activities in these countries discovered a strawberry native to this region that was much larger than those grown in Europe.
4. Big up the strawberry
Strawberries have a long history and have been enjoyed since the Roman times. Native to many parts of the world, hundreds of varieties of strawberries exist due to crossbreeding techniques. In 1714, a French engineer commissioned to Chile and Peru, observed that the strawberry native to those regions was much larger than those found in Europe. He decided to bring back a sample of this strawberry to cultivate in France. The end result was a large, juicy, sweet hybrid (the modern garden strawberry) that became extremely popular in Europe.
5. Health Benefits
Its not surprising to see strong research support for strawberry health benefits in three major areas: (1) cardiovascular support and prevention of cardiovascular diseases (2) improved regulation of blood sugar, with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, and (3) prevention of certain cancer types including breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer. In this section, well review the outstanding research-based benefits of strawberries in each area.
6. Boosts your immunity
Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which helps boost your immunity and protects you from infections. Just one cup of strawberries meets 100% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C. This alone makes it a fruit that you should not miss out on, specially during the strawberry season.
7. Prevents heart disease
Shaped like a heart, strawberries have nutrients like flavonoids and antioxidants which prevent the buildup of bad cholesterol which can clog your arteries. Additionally, these nutrients have anti-inflammation properties which is good for the heart.
8. Prevents constipation and diabetes
When you have constipation, it is important that you consume fibre in order to clear your bowel movements. Also, fibre helps regulate your blood sugar levels making it a great food for diabetics and those who want to prevent diabetes alike. Strawberries have a lowly glycemic index of 40, which means diabetics can consume it without worrying too much.
9. Fights cancer
Strawberries too are high in antioxidants which help in fighting cancer. In particular, strawberries have antioxidants like lutein and zeathanacins which suppresses the growth of cancer cells. What more? The high Vitamin C content boosts your immunity and makes your body more capable of fighting cancer cells.
10. Good for your skin
When you age, your skin and other body parts suffer from damage due to free radicals. This process is similar to the process of a metal rusting due to exposure to air. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in strawberries can help slow down this process and keep your skin wrinkle-free for longer.