Rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and widely available during this season, strawberries are a great option for both taste as well as health, not to forget the beauty quotient. Yes, these pretty little delicious berries do more than just please our palates: they clear up acne, make skin younger and smoother, whiten teeth, reduce under-eye puffiness, leave hair glossy and beautifully conditioned, and a lot more.
Delhi based nutrition consultant, Geetu Amarnani says, “Strawberries are packed with soluble fiber that helps to lower the cholesterol levels and reduces the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular health problems. Combine strawberries with high-quality carbohydrates like oatmeal for a nutrient-packed, filling breakfast. It offers plenty of health benefits.” Amarnani adds, “The soluble fiber in strawberry also helps to fight Type 2 diabetes. Overweight is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes, the water and soluble fiber in strawberries can greatly benefit people suffering from this condition.”
The high fiber content is also helpful for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems. Eating strawberries and other high fibre fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to ease digestion and soothe stomach upset, constipation, diarrhoea, and other painful symptoms.
Likewise, Aishwarya Rajan, another Delhi-based nutrition consultant points out, “Strawberry is a low calorie fruit providing 44 kcal per 100 gm, which is lesser than many commonly consumed fruits like apple, orange, peaches, pears, orange etc. However, it scores as it provides a good amount of calcium, phosphorus and iron and above all is one amongst the richest sources of Vitamin C. It is also a good source of magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese and hence can also be enjoyed by diabetics who need to otherwise be on guard against any sweet or calorie dense fruits.”
The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries help in fighting against cancer. One cup of strawberries contain 21 per cent of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are good for healthy bones.
Strawberries are the perfect food to add to your diet as they are virtually fat-free. Studies show that one cup of strawberries contains only 0.6 gms of fat. Further, they can stimulate your metabolism and suppress your appetite. They can also help keep your weight-reducing hormones functioning properly.
What is the best way to eat strawberries? According to Aishwarya, “Strawberry is best eaten fresh and as a whole fruit. This fruit can however easily work out as a tasty treat for the sweet lovers as it gels well with all dairy products like milk, yoghurt, paneer etc. So those who are very watchful of their weight can easily work around a strawberry crush or strawberry smoothie for a quick dessert to keep eating healthy and dig into their sweet tooth albeit without the guilt.
Strawberry as skin enhancer
Strawberry has a skin friendly ingredient called alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to get rid of dead skin cells. There are special treatments with strawberry as an essential ingredient.
Sanjana Bhandari, Manager, Vyoma Spa at Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi, says, “We provide an intense yet delightful treatment called Spa Strawberry Hydraboost Treatment. It is a vitamin-enriched treatment that begins with a gentle yet thorough cleansing exfoliation. A Pevonia exclusive enzyme peel is then applied to remove deep clogging, blackheads and dead cell accumulation. The skin rejoices as this deep cleansing process is followed by the application of a pleasurable antioxidant strawberry mask with wonderful hydrating, soothing and replenishing benefits. The cooling, healing and anti-oxidant properties of strawberries protect the skin from free radicals, hydrates the skin leaving a rejuvenating effect.”
Did you know?
■ Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
■ The average strawberry has 200 seeds.
■ To symbolise perfection and righteousness, medieval stone masons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals.
■ Madame Tallien, a prominent figure at the court of the Emperor Napoleon, was famous for bathing in the juice of fresh strawberries. She used 22 pounds per basin.
■ Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring.
■ There is a museum in Belgium just for strawberries.