1. Researchers have found that the dietary intake of more flavonoids, particularly from berries like strawberries, could slow the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The anthocyanidins and other antioxidants in them may be responsible for this effect. In one study, they demonstrated that women having 2 or more servings of strawberries a week fared better and experienced less overall memory decline than those consuming under a serving a week.
2. Have A Protective Effect On The Heart. For those looking to eat protective foods for the heart, strawberries can be a great addition. The antioxidants they contain can help inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol in the body. They can also help reduce the risk of blood clot formation (thrombosis) and improve circulatory function by improving vascular endothelial function. All these combined can bring down your risk of a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke.
3. Fight High Blood Pressure. Strawberries are a means to get in dietary potassium and magnesium which balance the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium. Potassium, a vasodilator, specifically helps relax your blood vessels to ease blood pressure. In addition, it also reduces the rigidity of the blood vessels, which can help those with hypertension.
4. Help Bone Health. The potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K that the berries contain are also great for your bone health.17 Researchers suggest that consuming berries could be a means of protecting yourself from osteopenia or weakening bones. The vitamins, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are great on their own, but add to that the ability of these micronutrients to modulate the activity of some key enzymes as well as genes, and you have a potential nutritional remedy to save your bones!
5. Ease Allergies. If allergies and inflammation have been causing trouble for you, having some strawberries every week could help ease your woes. The quercetin they contain is anti-inflammatory, stimulates the immune system, and inhibits histamine release. It also exhibits antiviral activity. This is why it may help relieve some of those classic signs of an allergy like a runny nose, hives, or watery eyes.
6. Cut Inflammation-Linked Problems Like Arthritis. According to one piece of research, women who had 16 or more strawberries a week had lower levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. Such inflammation is linked to arthritis as well as heart disease, making it a potential remedy to protect you from these ailments.
7. Help Eye Health. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, strawberries make a great food for the eyes. The vitamin C they contain has antioxidant properties which can cut your risk of developing cataracts. They also lower blood pressure and inflammation. High blood pressure plays a part in bringing on macular degeneration, which results in problems with reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The anthocyanins also help prevent arterial blockages that could deprive your retina of adequate oxygen supply and cause eye problems.
8. Boost Gut Health And Ease Constipation. Prebiotic fiber like what strawberries contain are great for your gut health. They help the “good” gut bacteria thrive in your intestines, helping with overall health. And don’t forget that the 3.3 gm of fiber you get per cup of the fruit can also help with problems like constipation. Dietary fiber is known to help improve stool frequency in those with a constipation problem.
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