Health Benefits of Strawberries

Nutritional facts and health benefits of strawberries and signs of strawberry allergy.

Strawberries are those wonderful red almost heart-shaped fruit we so love to eat. There are many varieties of them grown both commercially and in backyard gardens. It is a sweet and fragrant fruit that can be used in desserts, jams, jellies, or eaten fresh.

Strawberries are like eating sunshine. They have a vibrant flavor. But did you know that strawberries are great sources of various nutrients?

Nutrition Facts

Strawberries are high in the following nutrients:

1. Vitamin C
   
   
   
2. Fiber
   
   
   
3. Manganese
   
   
   
4. Potassium
   
   
   
5. Iodine
   
   
   
6. Folate
   
   
   
7. Vitamin B5
   
   
   
8. Vitamin B2
   
   
   
9. Vitamin B6
   
   
   
10. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
    
    
    
11. Magnesium
    
    
    
12. Vitamin K
    
    
    
13. Copper

Just think all this nutrition with only 43 calories in a one cup serving.

The Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. Strawberries contain phenols such as ellagitannins and anthocyanins. The strawberry's anthocyanins give it not only its color but its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are known to protect the cells in your body and keep the body's organs from suffering oxygen damage.
   
   
   
2. Phenols make the strawberry good for the heart. It may also prevent cancer along with being an anti-inflammatory. The phenols can also lower levels of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, which is what is blocked by ibuprofen and aspirin. This makes strawberries great for treating inflammation in both kinds of arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer and asthma without any side effects.
   
   
   
3. Strawberries lead the list of foods that reduce cancer deaths in older people. This is due to the ellagitannins in them. If you eat strawberries on a regular basis you will lower your risk of developing cancer too.
   
   
   
4. Strawberries also can protect your eyes from having problems such as macular degeneration. They are more effective in this area than carrots are said to be. Just 3 or more helpings of fruit a day can lower the risk you have in developing ARMD or age-related macular degeneration.

Signs of Strawberry Allergy

The signs of an allergic reaction to strawberries are similar to other food allergies. These can be things like itching, swelling and tingling in the lips, mouth, throat, palate and tongue. You could also experience a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes along with other symptoms.

Skin reactions can also occur when you are allergic to strawberries. Hives, itching and contact dermatitis may be seen. You can also have trouble breathing as well as cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe reactions, wheezing, severe swelling in the throat and a difficulty breathing may result and even anaphylactic shock.

With any food allergy the best way to control the condition is not to consume the food you are allergic to. This means anything that could have any strawberries in from pies to jams. Eat fruit that you know is safe for you to consume. It is said that white strawberry varieties do not cause allergic reactions but you should check with a doctor before eating one.

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