What happens if you eat strawberries every day

general practitioner, candidate of medical sciences

Weight normalization 

When strawberry season comes, it’s hard to stop and not eat if not a bucket, then all there is. If there are no health problems, which we will discuss below, you can also not worry about being overweight. Strawberries are low in calories and are 90 percent water. 100 grams of it contains only 32 kilocalories, it has a low glycemic index – about 40 units, it does not give sharp jumps in blood glucose. And due to the high content of pectins (polysaccharides that are practically not absorbed in the body), the absorption of sugar slows down. Therefore, in moderation (not every day), it is not contraindicated even for patients suffering from type II diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Another advantage of the red berry is that it inhibits the absorption of fats from the digestive system and has a mild diuretic effect, relieving puffiness. And fiber – there is a lot of it in the pulp – on the contrary. accelerates the motor activity of the intestines and cleanses the body of toxins and toxins.

Many people reduce the natural acidity of strawberries with sugar, but this is not worth doing, like boiling it or making a compote from it – its nutritional value will increase significantly. It is better to plan a berry dessert between meals – as a snack or at the beginning of a meal as a salad. Then the pectin will work as a natural absorbent and will not allow fats, cholesterol and other toxic substances to be completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Strawberries go well with fermented milk products – cottage cheese, sour cream, kefir.

Strengthening immunity

Strawberries contain many vitamins and minerals, but most of all – up to 80 mg per 100 grams – of vitamin C, one of the most important elements involved in all processes and systems of the body, including the immune system. By the way, strawberries contain many times more ascorbic acid than lemons.

Meanwhile, thanks to vitamin C, our body fights bacteria and viruses, lymphocytes and interferons are produced. Ascorbic acid has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, and also participates in reactions to the synthesis of hormones, and anti-stress protection is also the result of the action of vitamins. At the same time, ascorbic acid is a water-soluble substance, it is easily excreted from the body and there is no risk of getting a vitamin overdose, unlike artificial vitamins.

Prevention of heart disease

It would be wrong to say that strawberries solve health problems. Nutrition is only part of the disease prevention system, and fresh berries are a good source of valuable elements. Thanks to them, processes are normalized and well-being improves.

For example, strawberries are rich in trace elements, including anthocyanins, potassium and manganese, folic acid, which are essential for the cardiovascular system: they help regulate blood pressure and myocardial contractility, prevent the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease , stroke, improve the condition of blood vessels and are responsible for adequate hematopoiesis. So about the benefits of strawberries for blood, our mothers were right.

Strengthening the skeletal system

Manganese is responsible for this function. With a lack of this trace element, fragility of bone tissue develops, especially this problem concerns the elderly. Several other components help to preserve the mineral density of manganese – calcium, zinc and copper. And they are all found in different quantities in strawberries.

Antioxidant action

Antioxidants are molecules that protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are waste products of cells, they arise as a result of oxidation. The more free radicals there are, the higher the risk of malignant tumors, other diseases, and even the rate of aging increases.

Foods high in antioxidants are beneficial for the functioning of the brain, nervous system, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. To help your body suppress inflammation a little, eat strawberries regularly, one of nature’s top natural antioxidants.

The biological elements contained in strawberries are effective for preserving youth and beauty. For example, a berry contains a lot of vitamin C, as we have already said, as well as selenium and vitamin E. These components affect the condition of the skin, hair and nails. And ellagic acid promotes collagen production and protects the skin from photoaging.

Improves the reproductive system

It is not for nothing that spicy details from personal life are called “strawberry”. Strawberries really and in this sense proved to be functional – they have a positive effect on women’s health and male libido. It is not for nothing that for romantic evenings, lovers stock up on fragrant berries with champagne, and in France there is even a tradition to treat newlyweds with strawberry cream soup. It’s all about zinc, which is in strawberries and strawberries, and of other useful ingredients.

And who can’t eat strawberries?

• Unfortunately, even such a useful product has contraindications. One serving of strawberries (150 grams) contains about 10 grams of sugars. Therefore, during the season, you can, of course, eat more than usual, no more than half a kilogram of berries, otherwise exceed the daily intake of sugar.

• Strawberries are an allergen and are a common cause of food allergies. Therefore, those who have a predisposition to allergies should be careful to eat the berry, and when the first reactions appear (redness of the skin, itching, abdominal pain, etc.), consult a doctor.

• Organic acids in strawberries can irritate the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. Persons suffering from gastritis, gastroduodenitis, duodenal ulcer or stomach ulcer should also postpone the sweet dessert.

• It is not recommended to include strawberries in the diet for people with a history of joint diseases. Strawberry juice can contribute to gouty pain.