It is that time of year again, when the weather is finally getting warmer and soups and hot drinks are swapped for ice-teas and strawberries on cream. And yes I do have a soft spot for iced-tea – and strawberries for that matter.

With the summer season producing so many juicy, and delicious strawberries, it is perhaps comforting to know that they are also good for us in so many surprising ways.

There are over 600 varieties of this scrumptious fruit, with different textures and flavours.
But did you know that they are often used for alleviating some of the most common medical conditions?

So just what benefits do they have?

1) Alleviating blood pressure and healing the circulatory system

Strawberries have a high potassium content and can help to negate the effects of sodium in the body. A lack of potassium in the body can increase your risk of high blood pressure, in the same way that eating too much salt can.

2) Prevents some types of cancers

Strawberries contain powerful antioxidants that can mitigate the effects of free radicals, reduce tumor growth and decrease inflammation in the body.

A study published by US scientists showed that freeze-dried strawberries may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

3) Anti-ageing

Strawberries don’t just help you to look good – they help you to feel good as well. They are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging.

4) Promotes bone health

Strawberries are a great source of potassium, vitamin K and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bones.

5) Heart disease

A study published by Norwich Medical School showed that by regularly eating anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids found in berries, you can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women.

Women who consumed at least three servings of strawberries or blueberries per week were the least likely to get heart disease.

The flavonoid quercetin, contained in strawberries is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of 
atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This same substance is thought to have many anti-cancer effects.

Strawberries also have a high polyphenol content that both reduces blood pressure and is good for the heart.

Like most other fruits, they also contain a healthy supply of fibre, which is also great for the heart.

Strawberries can also help to cut the risk of stroke because of its high quantity of quercetin, high potassium content and and anthocyanins, which reduce blood clots.

Actually it is hard to do this article any justice, because condensing the full benefits of strawberries is almost impossible.

In ancient times, they were used to alleviate symptoms of fainting, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, halitosis, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.

Interestingly, in the 13th century, strawberries were given to newlyweds in soups, because they were thought to be an aphrodisiac.

In short, strawberries are good for preventing so many nasty diseases and have the added bonus of being a tasty and delicious health snack.

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