Strawberries: A delicious way to boost heart health and control weight
A certified nutritionist decided to share her knowledge of the health benefits of eating strawberries. Now that the season for these delicious berries is in full swing, it's worth considering what, besides their pleasurable taste, we can gain from consuming them regularly.
12:49 PM EDT, May 29, 2024
Strawberries are considered incredibly healthy fruits, but their source of origin is vital. This is underscored by the fact that strawberries have often been at the top of the list of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits in the world.
For this reason, strawberry enthusiasts rarely use imported fruits year-round; instead, they patiently wait for the harvest season from the farms. They know these fruits so well that they can distinguish strawberries from imported ones at first glance. Once they recognize them, they can enjoy their exquisite taste and excellent health benefits, described some time ago on bbcgoodfood.com by certified nutritionist Jo Lewin.
Why is it worth eating strawberries?
Eating strawberries from the farms is an excellent combination of pleasure and health. No one needs to be convinced of their exceptional taste, but it's worth paying attention to their health properties. Nutritionist Jo Lewin categorized the benefits of these fruits into five categories. Here they are:
- First, strawberries support heart function. They contain anthocyanidins, which prevent inflammation and diseases of this vital organ.
- Second, they regulate blood sugar levels. Anthocyanins found in strawberries slow down glucose digestion and reduce insulin usage. This effect is even more vital if strawberries are part of a meal rich in carbohydrates.
- Third, they may potentially treat the effects of type 2 diabetes. Although Jo Lewin admits that more research is needed, the polyphenols in strawberries may positively affect diabetes conditions. Besides regulating blood sugar levels, they can also control blood pressure.
- Fourth, they protect against cancer. The combination of polyphenols in strawberries—ellagic acid and ellagitannins—can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, studies confirming this effect have only been conducted on animals.
- Fifth, they support weight control. A diet based on low-glycemic index products (such as strawberries) is not only helpful in controlling weight but also reduces the frequency of diseases resulting from obesity.
All evidence suggests that strawberries are rare cases where you can enjoy something tasty and healthy.
