This is what eating strawberries does to your body
They are low in calories, high in dietary fiber and blasted with the best antioxidants. We gathered all the reasons to eat strawberries every day from now until the end of the season
In the video: Extremely sweet strawberry picking
Winter fruits are less indulgent than summer fruits, but they have quite a few health benefits. Everyone knows the reasons for eating citrus fruits, but they are not the only health bombs of the winter. Strawberries also have quite a few positive effects on your body, beyond the fact that they are deliciously delicious. Here are some of them.
1. They will help you lose weight
Strawberries, like other red fruits, are rich in flavonoids - natural compounds found in plant foods that also protect the foods that contain them. A study published in 2016 at BMJ revealed that these flavonoids are the most affecting component of weight loss. The researchers looked at data from 124,000 Americans aged 27-65 and found a close relationship between a flavonoids-rich diet and less weight gain. According to the study, the flavonoids that have the most significant effect on weight loss are the anthocyanins, found in foods with a bright red color. Strawberries, did we say?
The secret is the red color. Strawberries (Photo: Giphy)
Strawberry strawberry gif (Photo: Giphy)
Strawberries are a very effective snack for the diet period, as it is a low calorie fruit - 32 calories per 100 grams. And that's not all. A study at Loughborough University in the UK found that people who ate a handful of strawberries in the afternoon ate less food at dinner.
2. Protect you from cancer
The same anthocyanins from the previous section are more effective at maintaining weight. These are strong antioxidants that protect against diseases and aging, and most importantly are free radicals that can cause cancer. Strawberries are also rich in algae - phytochemical which is found in studies to prevent cancer cell development.
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To the full article3. They will make you stop
Eating a cup of strawberry daily will add about 4 grams to your dietary fiber. If you combine in the same cup with blueberries, red raspberries and other berries, the amount of fiber will rise to 8 grams. Nutritional fiber does not break down in our digestive system because we do not have enzymes that can break it down and are divided into two types: insoluble fiber, which is excreted from the body as it is, without decomposition, and soluble fiber that the gut bacteria know to break down into compounds that are considered beneficial to health. Low dietary fiber intake is a source of constipation, and experts recommend consuming at least 25 grams daily as a solution.
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This nutritional component saves lives, but 90% of us don't eat enough of it 8 foods that can ease constipation Why are dietary fiber so healthy for us? Where can you still buy real estate in Israel at a reasonable price? Promoted contentApart from the fact that dietary fiber helps the digestive system, they also prevent chronic illnesses, prolong the sense of satiety and of course, are good for your diet. A World Health Organization review published in the medical journal LANCET found that people who consume a large amount of dietary fiber daily reduce nearly one-third their risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes or bowel cancer, and premature death.
4. They will improve your eye health
The strawberries, as well as the berries, are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant found in studies to be effective in reducing the risk of cataract disease in old age. Although citrus fruits are seen as the leaders in the field, the strawberry is among the leading fruits in vitamin C and in one cup has the amount we need per day. Besides its contribution to the eyes, vitamin C is known to prevent tumor development and cancer, maintains a cardiovascular system and prevents inflammatory processes.
Plenty of Vitamin C. Strawberries (Photo: ShutterStock)
Illustration (Photo: ShutterStock)
5. They will make you happier
Beyond the fact that strawberries are a real treat that always makes for a good mood, a study a few years ago revealed that eating a lot of fruit is linked to creativity, curiosity and enjoyment of life. The researchers then assumed that this is because many fruits and vegetables contain a high amount of vitamin C that is largely responsible for the production of dopamine, which transfers between nerves that encourage motivation and commitment. And as we mentioned in the previous section, vitamin C is a very significant component of strawberries.
6. They will provide you with the vitamins you need
Strawberries are an excellent source of folate, which participates in the production of nucleic acid RNA and in the production of proteins and neurotransmitters. Strawberries contain other vitamins like Vitamin K and vitamins from the Vitamin B. Family Strawberries also contain important minerals, including calcium - which helps strengthen bone build-up, potassium - which helps lower blood pressure, and iron - which prevents fatigue and anemia.