Who doesn’t love strawberries? After all, they are among the most popular berries and can be traced back to the Roman empire where they were used for their medicinal properties. Back then, they were also known as a rich man’s delicacy, and during a wedding, it was a tradition that the bride and groom eat them on their big day. But did you know that there are a bunch of health benefits of strawberries you might not know about?

Additionally, although the strawberry is not a big fruit, each one of them contains a whopping 200 seeds and it’s the only fruit that has its seeds on the outside. This fleshy red versatile delicious fruit is loved by adults and kids, and most of us use it in cereals, healthy shakes, salads, baking, desserts or simply by itself.

But before we get to the health benefits, do you know how strawberries came to be known as ‘strawberries’? Well, one of the theories of how the strawberry acquired its name is that children used to sell them to passersby by hanging the berries on a straw hence the name ‘strawberry’.

Some of the Health Benefits of Strawberries

Contains plenty of vitamin C: Most mammals except for us humans have the ability to naturally produce vitamin C which is a quick-working antioxidant. A serving of strawberries has half the amount of the required daily intake of vitamin C.
Prevents premature wrinkling of skin: Vitamin C in strawberries produces collagen which helps in improving the skin’s elasticity. We lose collagen as we grow older and eating foods rich in vitamin C help keep the skin healthier and younger looking.
Reduces Inflammation: Strawberries contain phytochemicals and antioxidants which help in reducing inflammation of the joints which cause arthritis and heart diseases.
Regulates Blood Pressure: According to one study, one of the health benefits of strawberries is their ability to lower blood pressure. This is because they are a source of potassium which acts as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium.
Boosts fiber: Low consumption of fiber leads to constipation and diverticulitis which is an inflammation of the intestines. Strawberries help a great deal in digestion hence avoiding those problems.
Eyecare: Free radicals cause eye problems like dry eyes, muscular degeneration, vision defects, optical nerves degeneration and increased risk of infections. Strawberries contain antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenolic phytochemicals and ellagic acid which help in avoiding these situations.
Immune System Booster: Vitamin C in strawberries boosts the immune system which is the body’s first line of defense against infections, making it one of the most important health benefits of strawberries.

Here’s a simple strawberry smoothie recipe

This smoothie is not only simple and quick to make but it is particularly great if you want a quick breakfast because it will make you feel full for longer. It’s also great if you have trouble with constipation as it will relieve you within a short period.

Ingredients;

Strawberries
Natural yogurt
Apple juice

Directions: Throw all the ingredients (in portions of your choice) in a blender and blend them for about a minute until they are all mixed up into a smoothie. Enjoy your smoothie.

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Are you a fan of strawberries? What are some of the health benefits of strawberries you might have come across? Share in the comments.