They’re hailed as a nutritional powerhouse
Some fruits, despite being common and easily available, often escape our attention when it comes to their nutritional value – and it turns out strawberries are one of them. This is because they are a powerhouse and can help to fight acne and cancer, and help hair growth.
Offering remarkable benefits for two key areas: skin and hair, reports 20minutos.es, the nutritional profile of strawberries also plays a crucial role in addressing problems caused by stress and poor diet. By eating these, you can naturally help your overall health.
It comes as scientific research has highlighted the potential of strawberries as a nutritional force. Rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, they have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, and other risk factors linked to chronic diseases. The study reveals: “Antioxidants help lower risk of cardiovascular events by inhibition of LDL-cholesterol oxidation, promotion of plaque stability, improved vascular endothelial function, and decreased tendency for thrombosis.”
Strawberries may be better than oranges
Interestingly, vitamin C even surpasses oranges in concentration when it comes to the vitamin. The vitamin itself is hailed as a powerhouse for skin health and its antioxidant properties which is derived from flavonoids like anthocyanins and polyphenols such as ellagic acid.
These protect cells against oxidative damage and inflammation. Lastly, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are important for cell renewal. In fact, this ellagic acid has been proven to have anti-cancer properties which means “it suppresses cancer cell growth.”
Strawberries are good for hair
When it comes to hair care, the fruit’s high vitamin C content strengthens hair roots and follicles, helping to prevent hair loss, says another study. Meanwhile, essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium work in tandem with vitamins to nourish dry and brittle hair, improving its overall strength and texture.
Strawberries are good for your skin
The studies then says its skincare benefits also helps to “remove impurities and soften the skin as well as soothe allergies and other irritants and provide protection against pollution.” It can also help brighten skin and remove age spots.
The study suggests: “You can squeeze the fruit to extract its juice and place it in a small cup. Apply the juice all over your face with a cotton ball and rinse off with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes to get a glowing complexion.
“Strawberry contains ellagic acid which, when applied topically protects the skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which are primarily responsible for skin ageing.”
Strawberries can fight acne
The benefits do not stop there as it can also help fight acne. The experts of the study explains: “Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), salicylic acid and flavonoids in strawberries help in clearing acne and reducing oil. Thus, strawberry is a common ingredient in commercial anti-acne products and moisturisers.”
Strawberries can lower cholesterol
This is because “strawberries are rich in phyto-nutrients which are a type of plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing, compounds. These phenolic compounds are responsible for the fruit’s colour, taste and smell.
“Once such phenolic compound, flavonoids, are known to be high in antioxidants. They have been proved to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the oxidation of low density lipo-protein (LDL).”
