Why strawberries are useful for the body

The benefits and harms of strawberries have become known to us relatively recently, no more than 300 years have passed since the appearance of this culture in Europe. In gardens and summer cottages, it replaced the less attractive and useful strawberry, which was used mainly as an ornamental plant with a very narrow range of medicinal properties.

The chemical composition and calorie content of strawberries

Berries, depending on the variety, contain from 5 to 15% sugars. According to this parameter, they are approximately equivalent to currants and gooseberries. It also includes the following components:

• fiber - up to 2%;
• pectins - up to 1.7%;
• starch - 1%;
• tannins - up to 0.25%.

The fruits contain approximately 85-87% water. The fruits are rich in folic, citric and malic acid. The nutritional value of strawberries is as follows:

• fat - 0.4 g;
• proteins - 0.8 g;
• carbohydrates - 7.5 g

The calorie content of the fruit, depending on the variety, can range from 33 to 41 kcal.

What vitamins are in strawberries

Of the vitamins, the most common vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Its concentration in fruits can reach up to 90 mg per 100 g of fruits, and in leaves its content is approximately 3-3.5 times higher - about 0.3 g per 100 g.

After ascorbic acid, the following vitamins are located in decreasing order of concentration:

• vitamins E and B2 - 0.5 mg each;
• vitamin PP - 0.4 mg;
• vitamins PP and B5 - 0.3 mg each.

The fruits also contain vitamins B1, B6, B9 and H, but their total amount does not exceed 0.1 mg.

Of the trace elements, potassium (161 mg) and calcium (40 mg) have the highest concentration. In addition, strawberries contain iron, zinc, iodine and fluoride.

Useful properties of strawberries

Protection of the circulatory system from atherosclerosis is the main and main beneficial property of strawberries. It is this disease that is in the first place all over the world for the causes of premature mortality. The combined effect of B vitamins, folic acid and anthocyanins reduces the level of cholesterol in the body, and, more importantly, homocysteine. It is the latter, accumulating in the body, at certain concentrations, begins to destroy the inner walls of the arteries, on which cholesterol plaques are subsequently formed.

Another equally important property of berries is their antioxidant effect. It is due to the content of ellagic acid in fruits.It is this substance that is able to bind most free radicals, slowing down the aging process and significantly reducing the risk of cancer.

For women

For women, the most important substance in strawberries is folic acid. This substance is indispensable for the female body. It helps provide the necessary conditions for the formation of hormonal levels during conception.

In addition, folic acid has a positive effect on the development of the embryo in the first days of its life. Most congenital defects (from abnormal development of internal organs to external deformities, like a cleft lip) occur precisely due to a lack of folic acid in the mother's body at the beginning of pregnancy. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is possible for pregnant women in the first trimester is unambiguous - not only possible, but also necessary! Naturally, in the absence of contraindications.

For men

In addition to the previously described useful properties, there are two important features of this berry for the male body. The digestive system of men is slightly different from that of women, and the effect on it of the substances contained in these berries is more pronounced. Men who regularly consume strawberries do not have problems with intestinal microflora and liver function.

Also an important component for men in strawberries is the aforementioned ellagic acid. This substance can several times reduce the likelihood of cancer of the male genitourinary system: prostate cancer and bladder cancer.

At what age can strawberries be given to children

Strawberries are not recommended for children under one year old. This is where the opinions of specialists - nutritionists and pediatricians - agree. But what to do with older children - there is no single point of view on this issue.

It is recommended as an introduction to the child with a new taste and in order to avoid possible allergic reactions to try to give a baby at the age of 1.5-2 years the first strawberry dish - compote in a very low concentration. Firstly, it will still have an attractive aroma and taste for a child, and secondly, after heat treatment, the concentration of allergens will significantly decrease. If the allergy does not manifest itself, then you can proceed to the next experiments.

In the event of an allergy after such a compote, it is strongly recommended that the child's further acquaintance with the berry be postponed for about a year in order to give the body time to form protective functions.

But even without allergies with strawberries, children can have problems. This berry is very active in terms of biochemistry. It contains many substances that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract in a child's body that has not yet matured. A more or less acceptable body reaction to strawberries in children appears on average after 4 years. In any case, when deciding whether to give strawberries to children, you should weigh all the pros and cons.

Benefits of strawberries during pregnancy

The positive effects on the body of the expectant mother of folic acid have previously been considered. To this it should be added that, given the wide range of vitamins and minerals contained in this berry, the fruits can be recommended for use at the beginning of pregnancy.The benefit from their use will be in supplying the body of the expectant mother with those substances that are so lacking in almost all pregnant women.

In addition, strawberries improve appetite and normalize metabolism. Its effect improves the functioning of the circulatory system and makes the intestinal peristalsis more active, which is especially important for pregnant women.

Another useful property is its weak diuretic effect, which helps to remove excess fluid and toxins from the mother's body.

However, most doctors do not recommend using strawberries for pregnant women due to their too high allergenicity.

In addition, starting from the 22nd week, when the unborn child begins to form its own immune system, it is recommended to stop taking strawberries, regardless of how the mother's body perceives it, or to continue it with constant monitoring of the state of the fetus.

Can strawberries be breastfed?

In the case of breastfeeding, it is better not to take risks, and, at least for the first year and a half, refrain from using it altogether. This is explained by the fact that the amount of allergen that enters the baby's body with breast milk may be even greater than through the placenta during pregnancy. And whatever the reaction of the mother, even in the case of a complete absence of allergies, no one will guarantee that the baby will not have it either.

It is recommended to start taking strawberries when the baby is at least 18 months old, and then 1-2 berries a day. In this case, you should constantly monitor the health of the child, paying attention not only to the symptoms of allergies, but also to his reaction in general (up to controlling the mood of the baby and his stool). Strawberries are extremely active, and it can be very difficult to predict their effect on the child's body.

If everything goes well, the nursing mother can consume strawberries, gradually increasing her dose, since almost all useful substances, albeit in smaller quantities, will also enter the baby's body.

Slimming strawberries

The berry has properties that make it suitable for use in procedures to reduce excess weight or to "stop" it:

• acceleration of metabolism, especially when processing food in the lower parts of the intestine, contributing to its gentle cleansing;
• moderate diuretic effect, which removes excess water from the body and prevents edema from developing;
• general acceleration of the liver and pancreas;
• very low calorie content, giving ample opportunities for a variety of menus.

Due to these properties, strawberries are considered a desirable addition to any diet. Another important advantage is the high content of vital elements (for example, potassium and folic acid) with a very low calorie content.

The glycemic index of strawberries is low and is about 40 points, therefore, it can be used when creating diets for diabetics.

In addition, the abundance of fiber and ascorbic acid in berries, which can significantly affect the feeling of satiety, lead to rapid satiety when consumed.

Anyone interested in the question of whether strawberries can be on a diet should just look at their chemical composition and calorie content in order to answer it positively. There are about a dozen diets that include strawberries. Most often it is combined with vegetables, dairy products, and even fish and meat.

When losing weight, berries can be used at any time of the day. Traditionally, strawberry dishes are served in the morning or evening. Strawberries at night while losing weight do not have a negative effect on the body due to their low calorie and glycemic index parameters.

Strawberry treatment

In the treatment, both berries and leaves of the plant are used. In some cases, roots are also used (for example, the roots may contain up to 9% tannins).

Fruits and juices, decoctions and lotions obtained from them are recommended for use as supportive and auxiliary therapy for the following diseases:

• most diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the genitourinary system, kidney stones and bladder;
• various types of anemia;
• gout;
• metabolic disorders;
• colds (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.);
• diseases of an inflammatory nature (stomatitis, edema, etc.);
• skin diseases.

For preventive purposes, berries are recommended to prevent many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, circulatory and hematopoietic systems, and oncological diseases.

Due to the presence of a large amount of vitamins and a high concentration of ascorbic acid in fruits, it is recommended to use them as a supportive agent.

Is it possible to eat strawberries with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus implies constant adherence to a special therapeutic diet and exercise. Given the relatively high concentration of sugars in strawberries, it may seem that it is undesirable to use it in this disease, but this is not the case.

Strawberries are sour rather than sweet berries, and the sugars that make up it are predominantly "fruit" in origin. Thanks to the fiber contained in it, as well as the complex of trace elements, it is able to stabilize the concentration of sugar in the blood serum.

In addition, the anthocyanins that make up the pulp, in addition to lowering cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, can significantly reduce the jumps in the blood glucose level of a diabetic. And not only from the sugars contained in strawberries, but also from additional sugar, often added to these berries. The reason for this phenomenon was found relatively recently: anthocyanins, like insulin, block the production of an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of sugar into glucose within the digestive tract.

Also, the berry is useful for diabetics in that it contains antioxidants that protect cell membranes, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipes with strawberries in folk medicine

Strawberries are included in a large number of traditional medicines used for various diseases. Consider the application of the most popular recipes.

In the treatment of inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, strawberry tea is used. It is prepared as follows: two tablespoons of dried fruits and leaves are poured with boiling water and infused for an hour. Take 3-4 times a day, 150-200 ml.

The benefits of strawberries for gout were discovered almost simultaneously with their appearance in Europe. In this case, a decoction from its leaves is used. Approximately 50 g of fresh or dried leaves are brewed in 500 ml of water or infused for 10 minutes in a water bath. The broth is applied 2-3 times a day, 100 ml before meals. The shelf life of such a decoction is no more than 2 days.

With diarrhea and intestinal inflammation, the decoction recipe can be as follows: 200 ml of boiling water is poured over a tablespoon of leaves, wrapped in a warm towel and insisted for half an hour. The broth is drunk at a time. The broth is made again and applied after 4-5 hours. No more than three uses per day are recommended.

For angina and other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, an infusion of leaves and flowers is used. A tablespoon of dried plant components is brewed in a thermos with 500 ml of boiling water for one hour. Gargle the throat up to 5-6 times a day with a break of 2 hours.

As an auxiliary therapy for tuberculosis, an infusion of the fruits and flowers of the plant is used. To do this, take a dozen dried stems with flowers and berries and brew in a thermos in 1 liter of boiling water for an hour. Take 5 times a day, 150-200 ml. The course of treatment is 4 weeks with a break of 1 week.

For hypertension or edema, tea from crushed leaves is used. To do this, the leaves are crushed with a knife, and a tablespoon of them is brewed in a glass, like tea. In this case, you can add up to 1 teaspoon of sugar to it. It is recommended to use this tea no more than 3 times per day.

Benefits of strawberry leaves

The leaves are high in vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Its concentration can be up to 300 mg per 100 g of leaves. Therefore, leaves in any form are used as a source of this vitamin.

In addition, the leaves contain many beneficial substances that alleviate the condition of patients with diseases of the digestive system and pain in the joints. The caffeic acid they contain is not only a diuretic, but also an excellent way to remove fluid from the joints.

The benefits of strawberry tails

Ponytails contain a large amount of chlorophyll, which, when it enters the human body, behaves like an antioxidant. It binds wandering free radicals, reducing body intoxication and reducing the risk of cancer.

Ponytails also contain some anthocyanins, which can help lower blood sugar levels. And the carotenoids present in them help to improve vision and normalize the skin.

Tail infusions have no less anti-inflammatory effect than leaf infusions and are used in the treatment of angina.

Strawberry leaf tea

The recipe for making tea from the leaves is very simple. Leaves are used (both fresh and dried) in an amount approximately equivalent to the amount of ordinary tea leaves when brewing ordinary tea, that is, 1-2 teaspoons per glass of 200-250 ml. The brewing time is also approximately equal to that of regular tea.

Sometimes the leaves are brewed 1 to 1 with green tea. Rosehip or lemon balm is added to the tea from the leaves. You can add lemon, but only for the scent.

It is not worth storing tea for a long time, it is better to drink it right away, until the nutrients are destroyed. It is recommended to drink no more than a liter of drink per day. Sometimes ponytails can be used for tea instead of leaves.

Strawberry face masks at home

The benefits of strawberries for facial skin are well known in folk cosmetics. It has a wonderful effect on the skin, rejuvenating and brightening it. You can simply wipe your face with strawberries, but for a more complete effect on the skin, it is better to use masks consisting of several components.

Anti-wrinkle strawberry mask

Several berries are used, which are kneaded and mixed with 30-50 ml of high-fat cream. The thicker the cream, the better. The composition is applied to the skin of the face and neck using a cotton pad or swab. Wait until the mixture dries, after which it must be washed off.

Strawberry and sour cream mask

This mask uses the emollient properties of sour cream, the bioactive composition of strawberries and the complex effects of honey. Crushed strawberries, honey and sour cream are mixed in equal proportions. The mask is evenly applied to the skin. It lasts 10-15 minutes, after which it is washed off.

Rejuvenating strawberry mask

The following strawberry homemade mask has a rejuvenating effect. Fresh juice is squeezed out of 5-6 strawberries and whipped with chilled egg white.The resulting composition is applied to the skin, where it remains until it dries completely (and not just the appearance of a crust). Then it is washed off with water. With regular use for 2 weeks, this product not only rejuvenates the skin, but also eliminates fine wrinkles.

The benefits of strawberries when combined with other foods

Strawberries go well with almost all foods, from fruits and vegetables to various types of meats. But best of all, she is able to "cooperate" with dairy and fermented milk products. This is due to the unique combination of active substances in strawberries with trace elements found in milk and its derivatives.

Strawberry with cream

A classic recipe, proven over the centuries. Its benefit lies in the fact that the chemically active substances of strawberries increase their effect in combination with the fatty substances that make up the cream.

In addition, the assimilation of, for example, carotenoids by the human body without fat practically does not occur. Another effect is no less important - a deterrent. For example, the same fats from cream significantly reduce the amount of oxalic and acetyl acids from strawberries, which have a harmful effect on teeth and joints.

The benefits of strawberries with milk

In general, the benefits of strawberries with milk are similar to strawberries with cream, however, such a dish is much lower in calories and can be used for diets. The main advantages of such a combination (strengthening the beneficial properties of strawberries and weakening the harmful ones) remain.

Why strawberries with kefir are useful

The benefits of strawberries with kefir lie in the complex effect of the substances from these ingredients on the human body. In this case, we are talking not only about the enhancement of certain properties, but also about the effects that are noticeable almost immediately. This combination of products has a tonic and refreshing effect on the body.

Useful properties of strawberry blanks

Fruiting of strawberries lasts about a month. It has a relatively short shelf life in its raw state. But everyone wants to have such a variety of vitamins on their table throughout the year. For this purpose, many ways have been invented for harvesting strawberries.

The benefits of frozen strawberries

The main benefit of frozen strawberries is that it allows you to "transfer" summer fresh berries at any time of the year. Frozen to low temperatures (up to -20 ... -30 ° C), they are able to retain their properties for almost a year from the moment of collection.

But you have to pay for everything. Freezing reduces the concentration of most nutrients in strawberries by about 1.5 times. For example, the concentration of folic acid is reduced by 27%, and vitamin C - by 30%. However, there are substances, for example, fiber, the amount of which does not change when frozen.

The benefits of dried strawberries

Dried strawberries preserve almost all the properties of fresh berries, since during drying, unlike freezing, most of the nutrients remain in them. The benefits of dried strawberries are that trace elements, sugars, folic and malic acids are kept at a level of 90-100%.

However, it should be understood that due to weight loss due to liquid removal, the caloric content of the product increases significantly - up to 280 kcal per 100 g. The glycemic index remains at the same level - 35-40.

The benefits of strawberry jam

The benefits of jam are questionable. During heat treatment, and even with the addition of a large amount of sugar, most of the nutrients from strawberries disappear. This is due primarily to the excessive duration of heat exposure.Thus, only the taste effect remains in the jam, and there are practically no healing properties.

The benefits of strawberry compote

With a short exposure to temperature, the properties of compote are approximately the same as those of tea made from berries or leaves. However, we are talking only about freshly prepared compotes. With canning and subsequent use, most of the beneficial properties of the berries also go away.

Benefits of Sugar Strawberries

Freshly cooked strawberries, grated with sugar, retain their beneficial properties for 0.5-1 days, provided they are stored in the refrigerator. It should be known that the calorie content of such a product is quite large (up to 100 kcal per 100 g of product in the case of using 1 kg of strawberries and 200 g of sugar).

How to choose and store strawberries

The criteria for choosing strawberries are quite simple:

• berries must be intact without damage and smudges;
• they must be dry;
• have a strawberry smell, without acidity or fermentation;
• berry color - even;
• they should be elastic to the touch.

And the most important selection criterion is taste; this question is purely individual, but it is also the main one.

Strawberries are perishable. Don't buy too much of it. Its shelf life is two days in the refrigerator, after which it simply deteriorates. Strawberries should be washed only before eating them.

Harm and contraindications of strawberries

There are two main contraindications for strawberries: the high allergenicity of berries and their active biochemical effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Allergies are severe because the substance causing it (the coloring pigment that gives ripe berries their red color) is quite active. Symptoms of a strawberry allergy can be very diverse - from rashes and itching to a runny nose and vomiting.

The active substances contained in fruits can cause irritation in people with a tendency to diseases of the stomach, liver, duodenum and pancreas. It is especially dangerous to eat large amounts of strawberries on an empty stomach.

Children under 1 year old should not eat strawberries at all. Relatively large portions of strawberries should be introduced into the diet of children after they reach the age of 4-5 years.

A separate danger is posed by strawberries for pregnant women, especially those prone to metabolic disorders. In addition to allergic reactions, it can tone the uterus and provoke abortion. In addition, the oxalic acid contained in it significantly reduces the amount of calcium in the body of the expectant mother, which can lead to problems with bones and teeth.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of strawberries depend on many factors. This berry rich in nutrients is a real treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it tastes fantastic. At the same time, it can be fraught with serious danger in the event of its allergic intolerance or some other peculiarities of the body's work.