Not only delicious and refreshing, the benefits of strawberries are not small. The various nutritional content in this red fruit is good for the health of the body, from maintaining heart health to preventing cancer.
Strawberry is one type of berry that is easily found in Indonesia. This fruit is bright red in color and has a sweet and sour taste. Besides being consumed directly, strawberries can also be processed into various types of food products, such as jams, syrups, and cakes.
Nutritional Content in Strawberries
In 100 grams of strawberries, there are about 32 calories and a variety of the following nutrients:
- Carbohydrate
- Fiber
- Protein
- Calcium
- Folate
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
Not only that, strawberries also contain magnesium, potassium, iron, and various types of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and antioxidants ellagitannins.
Benefits of Strawberries for Health
Thanks to its diverse nutritional content, there are several benefits of strawberries that can be obtained by consuming them regularly, namely:
1. Healthy digestive tract
Strawberries are one type of fruit that is rich in prebiotic fiber. This fiber content is known to help the growth of good bacteria in the intestines and nourish the digestive tract.
Not only that, strawberries also contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
2. Lowering cholesterol levels in the body
Not only healthy digestive tract, the fiber content in strawberries is also able to reduce the accumulation of fat and cholesterol and prevent constriction of blood vessels.
This is supported by research which reveals that consuming strawberries regularly for 3 weeks can reduce bad cholesterol (HDL) levels while increasing good cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body.
3. Keep blood pressure stable
A study shows that eating strawberries is beneficial for keeping blood pressure stable. This is thanks to the content of potassium, flavonoids, and polyphenols in strawberries that can lower blood pressure. Thus, this fruit is well consumed by people who suffer from hypertension.
4. Control blood sugar levels
The next benefit of strawberries is controlling blood sugar levels. This is because strawberries have a low glycemic index, so they do not trigger a drastic increase in blood sugar levels. Thanks to these benefits, strawberries are safe for consumption by people with type 2 diabetes.
5. Prevent heart disease
As previously explained, strawberries are able to maintain blood pressure, overcome high cholesterol, and control blood sugar levels remain stable.
This combination makes strawberries beneficial for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
6. Counteract the effects of free radicals
Strawberries are one type of fruit that is rich in antioxidants. This content has an important role in protecting body cells from the effects of exposure to free radicals, which can trigger various diseases, such as cancer and degenerative diseases.
The antioxidant content in strawberries is also useful for reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy skin and bones.
7. Lose weight
Strawberries can be one of the food choices for those of you who are on a diet program. This is because strawberries are low in calories and contain a variety of nutrients that can meet your nutritional needs while on a diet.
Not only that, strawberries are also high in fiber which can provide a longer full effect. Thus, the impetus for snack or overeating will be reduced.
However, not only by eating strawberries, you also need to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day and avoid consuming foods high in calories and fat to maintain or lose weight.
Although the benefits of strawberries are quite a lot, you still need to pay attention to cleanliness and how to process them. Choose strawberries that are in good condition and look fresh. Don't forget to wash it first before consuming it.
You can eat strawberries straight, process them into juice, or mix them with fruit salad. In addition, to meet your daily nutritional needs, you also need to eat other healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and high protein foods.
If you want to know more about the benefits of strawberries or the amount of consumption that suits your body condition, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.