The Skinny:
One of the best parts of summer is fresh strawberries. Americans know this because they chow down on almost 5 pounds annually—3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries and 1.8 pounds of frozen. Little kids especially love them as they are the favorite fruit of children between seven to nine years ago. But here is a troubling little secret about strawberries—they are not berries but stem from the rose family. Never mind, strawberries are still a treasured tasty delight for all the right reasons. They are also deceptively healthy. How can anything that tastes so good be so healthy? Who knows? But these fruits are, and WellWell is here to identify the health benefits of strawberries. Read on.
The Slate:
Low-Carb, Low-Fat
A 100-gram serving of fresh strawberries has only 32 calories, 7.68 grams of carbohydrates and 0.3 grams of fat. This amount also holds two grams of fiber and 4.89 grams of total sugar. The salt balance in strawberries is also great for lowering blood pressure.
Vitamin C Loaded
This 100-gram serving, which amounts to about 3.5 ounces, also holds 58.8 mg of Vitamin C. This amount accounts for over 70 percent of the daily recommended value. In case anyone is wondering, fresh-picked strawberries have twice the Vitamin C as cooked ones.
High in Manganese
Fresh strawberries are also manganese-rich, with a 100-gram serving providing 28 percent of the daily recommended requirement. It is great news as manganese builds bones and supports the immune and reproductive systems. It also helps other enzymes break down carbohydrates, proteins and cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Regulator
The antioxidants in strawberries help against type 2 diabetes. This fruit’s low glycemic index of 41 means they’re not likely to cause sharp sugar spikes. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, a polyphenol that slows down starch digestion, helping to keep blood sugar in check.
Heart-Healthy
Strawberries can reduce the risk of heart attacks by a third if consumed daily, according to research. The antioxidants and polyphenols in fresh and frozen strawberries help promote cardiac health by preventing arterial plaque buildup and regulating blood pressure.
Supports Eye Health
Vitamins C, E and antioxidant flavonoids in strawberries are great for protecting the eyes from oxidative stress. This stress can lead to problems like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. This fruit also contains antioxidants that ward off damage and cataracts by limiting harmful blue light. Vitamin K, potassium and manganese are also good for eye health.
Eyes Up:
Why are strawberries your favorite? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
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