Useful Properties Of Strawberries

The strawberry season has started in Ukraine. And do you know how this delicious aromatic berry affects your health?

The strawberry season has started in Ukraine. And do you know how this delicious aromatic berry affects your health?

Strawberries have taken a worthy place in the food industry, cosmetology, and folk medicine. Due to its composition, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, has a general health-improving effect on the body, helps normalize metabolism and restore the functioning of internal organs.

Composition of strawberries

The substances that make up strawberries give them unique nutritional and healing properties. This berry is 85% water. The rest of its composition includes saccharide, vitamin C, B vitamins, carotene, folic acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc. In addition, strawberries contain organic acids (malic and salicylic), fiber, pectins.

Strawberries are low in calories. Yes, 100 g of this berry contains only 30.7 kcal.

What are the benefits of strawberries

Means for combating vitamin deficiency . After the winter-spring period, many are familiar with the problem of lack of vitamins. By regularly eating strawberries during the season of this berry, you will replenish the body with vitamin C, which is necessary for strengthening immunity. Folic acid (vitamin B9), which is also rich in strawberries, is necessary for the prevention of cardiovascular and skin diseases.

Improves metabolism . The vitamin composition, fruit acids and carbohydrates, which do not stress the insular apparatus of the pancreas, contribute to the improvement of metabolic processes in the body, thus its rejuvenation.

Normalizes bowel function and cleanses the body . As a source of polysaccharides and organic acids, strawberries contribute to the normalization of the composition of intestinal microflora. They also help bind and remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. The pectin contained in it effectively acts against constipation.

Helps to lose weight . Strawberries help break down fats and normalize blood sugar levels. In addition, as mentioned above, this berry is a low-calorie product that is suitable for unloading days.

Improves the cardiovascular system . Due to the content of salicylic acid, strawberries help to thin the blood and prevent the formation of clots. Thanks to this, the load on the heart is reduced. Vitamin C , potassium, fiber and polyphenols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, which is also important for the normal functioning of blood vessels.

Mild diaphoretic and antipyretic agent . Strawberries also have these properties thanks to the content of salicylic acid, so it can be used during colds and viral diseases to reduce body temperature.

Improves mood and general tone . Aromatic substances contained in strawberries stimulate the release of serotonin, thereby improving mood. And the antioxidant fisetin improves memory and mental activity.

Prevention and treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland . Strawberries have a positive effect on iodine metabolism.

Affects the sexual sphere . Zinc contained in berries affects the hormone testosterone, which regulates sex drive. The content of antioxidants in strawberries also has a beneficial effect on sexual function.

Benefits for the skin . Natural cosmetic masks prepared on the basis of strawberries whiten the skin, make it elastic, help get rid of acne due to antiseptic properties, and have an exfoliating effect.

The "backside" of strawberries

So that a useful berry does not turn into a harmful one, you should not rush to eat the first strawberries that appeared on the market at the end of spring. The first berries are often treated with chemicals that speed up their ripening. It is better to wait for the season of natural ripening of strawberries.

In addition, it is important to remember that there may be worm eggs in strawberries. They get on the leaves and berries from fecal fertilizers used to cultivate the land. In order not to get infected with helminths, wash the berries thoroughly and pour boiling water over them: eggs of worms die at high temperatures.

Who needs to be careful with strawberries

Despite the many useful properties that strawberries have, some people should still limit their use, or give them up altogether.

First of all, you need to remember that strawberries belong to allergenic products. People with allergies, young children and pregnant women should treat this berry with caution.

Strawberries can worsen the condition of those who suffer from peptic ulcers or gastritis, since the seeds of this berry and the acids contained in them irritate the stomach lining.

In case of joint diseases, it is allowed to eat strawberries in limited quantities, as they can cause gouty pains to increase.

Those who take antihypertensive drugs based on enalapril should also be careful with strawberries. The substances contained in it, in combination with medicines, increase the load on the kidneys.

The strawberry season is short. To enjoy this berry with health benefits for as long as possible, it can be frozen or dried.