Do you know that ancient Romans used to use strawberries to treat all ailments, from a normal fever to alarming depression? Yes, it’s true!
Even after hundreds of years, strawberries are used by more than 94% of American households so most probably, your house must be one of them and you might be wondering whether they are good for your health or not. So today, we are going to debunk some nutrient facts about this queen of berries! Keep reading so you can confidently consume it and know who, in your house, should and shouldn’t eat it! Let’s begin!
Nutrient content of strawberries
One cup of fresh, hand-picked strawberries comprises 53 calories. Macro and micronutrients which contribute to this calorie count are as follows
Protein | 1.11g |
Carbohydrates | 12.7g |
Dietary fibers | 3.30g |
Iron | 0.68mg |
Calcium | 27 milligrams |
Magnesium | 22 milligrams |
Potassium | 254 milligrams |
Phosphorus | 40 milligrams |
Folate | 40 micrograms |
Vitamin A | 20 SIU |
Vitamin C | 97.6 milligrams |
Aside from these nutrients, strawberries also contain a rich amount of flavonoids, ellagic acid, and phytochemicals which not only promote wellness but also slow the process of aging. How strawberry consumption affects your body in the long run, let’s have a look!
Are strawberries good for your health?
Yes, if you don’t have any severe medical conditions, you can eat strawberries and it will not at all harm your health. How? Let us explain!
Due to being rich in fiber, strawberries keep your digestion smooth and regulated by reducing bowel movements. Also, this rich fiber composition helps reduce your appetites and that’s the very reason why strawberries are a favorite fruit of every dietician. Add them either in your oatmeal cereal or in your fresh fruit salad and you’ll witness your waistline squeezing in days, without feeling starved out!
Another prominent health benefit of strawberries is their efficacy to lower high blood pressure. Since these rose berries are full of potassium and almost negligible amounts of sodium, it helps lower the overall blood pressure, which in turn, decreases the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and vein ruptures.
You might be surprised to know but scientists have also found strawberries super effective to prevent cancers including breast, oral, esophageal, liver, prostate, pancreatic, and lung cancer. The credit goes to the divine blend of chemicals though!
But, are strawberries acidic?
Yes, strawberries, like all citrus fruits, are acidic since they have a pH range from 3.0-3.5. However, as the fruit ripens, its acidity decreases but still, the strawberries don’t grow the neutral line.
Fresh strawberries are highly acidic due to having a very high amount of citric acid and significant amounts of other acids, too, like malic acid and ascorbic acid. So, if you are already suffering from acid reflux, we’ll recommend you avoid strawberries.
And if there’s slight heartburn, you may consume strawberries by combining them with other food items (especially dairy products like milk, yogurt, cream, and even with coconut milk). These dairy items will work with a mucous layer, covering your stomach lining. This, in turn, suppresses the chances of acidity and stomach irritation.