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Top 10 Health Benefits of Strawberry
 Standing just in the line after blueberries and walnuts stands
no other than strawberry with innumerable health benefits. "Doubtless God could
have made a better berry (than the strawberry), but doubtless God never did�.
A recent study pointed out that strawberry extract can help reduce DNA damage
caused by UV
exposure. The study conducted by
researchers from Spain and Italy showed that the antioxidant anthocyanin
compounds from strawberries have anti-inflammatory and enzyme modifying effects
that reduce the chances of
developing skin
cancer and skin
damage. As
for the antioxidant content, strawberries rank third highest (just below
blackberries and walnuts) out of 1,000 foods surveyed by the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In one study among the elderly, those eating
the most strawberries were three times less likely to developcancer than
their non-strawberry-eating counterparts.
Another study found that 16
days of eating strawberries made blood plasma less likely to contain harmful
oxidants and appeared to make RBCs more resistant to the cell damaging
chemicals. Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, folic
acid, flavanoids, tannin and phenolic acid.
 Great
Source of Vitamin C: For
those of you in hunt of vitamin
C sources-
one serving of strawberries contains 51.5 mg of vitamin C�about half of your
daily requirement. A 2010 UCLA study discovered that the antioxidant power in
strawberries becomes �bioavailable� or �ready to work in the blood� after eating
the fruit for just a few weeks. Good for the eyes, too as vitamin C plays an
important role in strengthening of the eye's cornea
and retina thereby protecting them from exposure to free-radicals from the
sun�s harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens.
  Anti-oxidant
Properties: Strawberries
contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are
scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially. In a study led by Paul
Thornalley, a
professor at the Warwick Medical School, and supported by funding from the
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) it was found that
extracts from strawberries can possibly activate Nrf2, a protein in the body
that increases antioxidants and jumpstarts other defense mechanisms.
 Cardiovascular
Benefits: A
study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health found that participants
eating the most strawberries had the lowest blood levels of C-reactive protein,
a marker for inflammation in the blood vessels, and slightly lower cholesterol
levels than those who consumed fewer strawberries. These berries activate a
protein in our bodies called �Nrf2� which is shown to increase antioxidant and
other protective activities. This protein works to decrease blood lipids and
cholesterol, the very things which can lead to cardiovascular problems.
 Post-meal
Blood Glucose & Diabetes: Scientists
at the University of Warwick have
identified a potential preventive effect of strawberries on Type
2 Diabetes risk.
Serve up some strawberries with Greek yogurt and walnuts for breakfast,
snack on some berries with whole grain crackers in the afternoon, or
whip up a strawberry shake to serve with pancake after dinner. In
general, the more variety, the better.
 Anti-Inflammatory: The
phenols in strawberries help fight against many inflammatory disorders,
such as osteoarthritis, asthma and
atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the
same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however,
do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.
One cup of strawberries contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient
that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By
increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme
responsible for protecting mitochondria exposed to oxygen, manganese
helps to fight the battle against free radicals and oxidative stress,
along with lesser cellular inflammation.
  Curb
Over-eating:
One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only
43 calories. The dietary fiber in
strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as curbs overeating.
Soluble fiber present in strawberries attach to cholesterol and helps remove it
from the body, which therefore lowers your body�s cholesterol levels and reduces
your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular health problems.
 Anti-wrinkle
Properties: Eating
foods rich in vitamin C result in healthier, younger-looking skin thus,
strawberries act as wrinkle fighter.
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. Also
because of high water content they help keep your skin
hydrated,
which leads to healthy, glowing skin.
 Excellent
for Weight Watchers: Strawberries
are composed of more than 75 percent water. Therefore, are an excellent
food for losing
weight or
maintaining your current weight. Strawberries
do contain natural sugars�though total sugars are fairly low with 4
grams per serving�and the total carbohydrate content is equivalent to
less than a half slice of bread. Triple your serving to 1.5 cups and
you'll have a snack that's less than 100 calories.
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One cup of whole strawberries contains 0.96 grams of protein, 46 calories and 2.9 grams of dietary fiber. |
  Good
while Pregnant: Every
year, thousands of children become victims of neural
tube defects (NTDs)
which are directly attributable to folic acid deficiency, primarily in
the brain and neural tube prior to and during pregnancy,
especially in the first trimester. Doctors
recommend that pregnant women increase their folate intake during
gestation, so strawberries can be an excellent food choice.
 Fruit
of Temptation and Seduction: Strawberry
is an edible Valentine. Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times
of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus. Serve
with ample whipped cream behind a locked bedroom door. They can aid in
boosting an otherwise lack luster libido by providing essential vitamins
and minerals needed to supply energy and keep the fires burning.
While shopping, look out for organic strawberries. After buying strawberries,
the fruit should be held at room temperature for as long as possible because
chilling will make it lose its taste. Wash it multiple times before cutting off
the green stalks as this will help stop the fruit from soaking up the moisture
and retain its flavor.
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Dated 21 August 2012
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