Strawberries are the most popular berry fruit the world over. This can be due to the fact that there are numerous strawberries health benefits along with the delicious taste of these fruits. Let us see what are the health benefits of strawberries. Strawberries are bright red in color and there are about 600 varieties of this berry. These berries are also available in the wild. The ones we eat are the cultivated wild variety of the berry. These berries were cultivated by the Romans even before the advent of the Christian era. However, after the fall of Roman empire, they lost their importance. They regained their importance, when they reappeared on stage in Europe. Did you know strawberry belongs to the rose family and also that it is the only fruits whose seeds are on the outside. It is also a very versatile berry, which can be used in a number of ways. Strawberries are used in salads, yogurts, smoothies, deserts, ice creams, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, etc. Having understood that, let us turn our attention to strawberries health benefits.

Strawberry Nutrition Information and Health Benefits
One of the main heath benefits of strawberries is, that it is very famous for its Vitamin C content. It is a very rich source of Vitamin B, Vitamin K, copper, manganese, folate, potassium, etc. Read the table below for the details on health benefits of strawberries.

Name of the Nutrient	Percentage Composition
Vitamin C	136%
Manganese	20%
Dietary Fiber	13%
Iodine	8%
Potassium	6%
Folate	5%
Vitamin B2	5%
Vitamin B5	4%
Vitamin B6	4%
Copper	2%

Many people often have a question whether the health benefits of strawberry juice is similar to that of eating strawberries. I will say 'yes', the health benefits do differ, as you will definitely miss on the dietary fiber, if you make a juice of strawberries. Now, let's see what are the strawberries health benefits.

Antioxidants
According to the latest research, it is proved that strawberries contain high amounts of antioxidants, which help the body in neutralizing the destructive effects of free radicals. They also help the body to repair the damaged tissues in the body. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis should make this wonderful berry a part of their daily diet. Along with anti-inflammatory properties, regular consumption of strawberries lowers the risk of cancer. Strawberries are said to be in the top 8 foods, which are known to lower the risk of cancer.

Protection Against Heart Attack, Stroke and Alzheimer
Potassium regulates the electrolytes. The potassium combined with the antioxidants present in strawberries helps in protecting the heart against heart attacks and strokes. The folate present in strawberries boosts the production of red blood cells and delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Protection Against Macular Degeneration
Three or more servings of strawberries are recommended to lower the risk of age related macular degeneration. If you think three servings is difficult to incorporate, trust me, it is not difficult. For every meal you consume, you can make sure strawberries are a part of it. Like your breakfast of cereal can contain strawberries, likewise salads in each of your meal can also contain strawberries.

High in Vitamins and Minerals
Like we have seen in the table, strawberries are rich in a number of vitamins, copper and manganese as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These help in absorbing the nutrients and also inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver. It is also beneficial to stabilize the blood glucose levels in the body.

Anti-aging Properties
Research has shown that strawberries have anti-aging properties. The nutrients present in strawberries nourish the brain cells and increase the health of the brain and also its functions. They delay the effects of age related loss of cognitive and motor skills. Instead of relying on the anti-aging supplements, why not take this anti-aging aid given to us by nature.

Removing Tartar
I was not aware, that strawberries also helps in removing tartar, but well it is true. The acid present in the strawberries is very effective in removing tartar. Along with removing tartar, the other benefit of strawberries is that they improve the health of the gums.

After reading the strawberries health benefits, don抰 you think we should make strawberries a part of our daily diet. Nature has given us the path, we should utilize it and derive the maximum health benefits of strawberries.
Bhakti Satalkar
Published: 12/10/2009