Benefits Strawberries provide a range of potential benefits and can support the body's defences against a variety of diseases. There are more than 600 varieties of strawberry. 1. Preventing heart disease Eating trawberries can help prevent heart disease. Strawberries might have a preventive effect against heart disease due to their high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are plant compounds that are good for the body. A 2019 reportTrusted Source advises that the anthocyanin in strawberries has links to a lower risk of a type of heart attack known as myocardial infarction. The flavonoid quercetin, which is also present in strawberries, is a natural antiinflammatoryTrusted Source that appears to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The fiber and potassium content in strawberries also support heart health. In one 2011 studyTrusted Source, participants who consumed 4,069 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day had a lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease when compared to those who consumed about 1,000 mg of potassium per day. 2. Preventing stroke A 2016 meta-analysis included studies that had assessed the antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, and anthocyanin. This meta-analysis looked at the link between those antioxidants that were present in strawberries and stroke risk. It found that they moderately reduced the risk of stroke after the study authors took into account cardiovascular risk factors. However, the authors advise caution over taking the study results too literally, as they looked at the overall impact of flavonoids rather than the participants' direct response to doses. Here, learn more about stroke. 3. Cancer The powerful antioxidants in strawberries may work against free radicals, according to a 2016 reviewTrusted Source. The review suggests that this factor could inhibit tumor growth and decrease inflammation in the body. While no fruit acts as a direct treatment for cancer, strawberries, and similar fruits might help reduce the risk of some people developing the disease. Find out about the different types of cancer here. 4. Blood pressure Due to their high potassium content, strawberries might provide benefits for people who have a raised risk of high blood pressure by helping to offset the effects of sodium in the body. Low potassium intake is just as important a risk factor for high blood pressure as high sodium intake. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), fewer than 2%Trusted Source of American adults meet the daily 4,700-mg recommendation for potassium. Strawberries are a sweet, filling way to help people consume more potassium in their diet. 5. Constipation Eating foods such as strawberries, grapes, watermelon, and cantaloupe that are high in water content and fiber can help hydrate the body and maintain regular bowel movements. Fiber is essential for minimizing constipation and adding bulk to the stool. 6. Diabetes Strawberries are a healthful fruit choice for people with diabetes. The substantial fiber content of the berries also helps to regulate blood sugar and keep it stable by avoiding extreme highs and lows. Fiber can improve satiety, helping people feel fuller for longer after eating. This can reduce urges to snack between meals, which will support glucose management and reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes. Here, find out about the different types of diabetes. Nutrition Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber. These are all essential nutrients that support the body's daily functioning. One cup of sliced, fresh strawberries, or 166 g, contains a range of important nutrientsTrusted Source in the following amounts: Calories: 53 kcal Protein: 1.11 g Carbohydrates: 12.75 g Dietary fiber: 3.30 g Calcium: 27 mg Iron: 0.68 mg Magnesium: 22 mg Phosphorus: 40 mg Potassium: 254 mg Vitamin C: 97.60 mg Folate: 40 micrograms (mcg) Vitamin A: 28 international units (IU) Strawberries also contain a range of powerful antioxidants, including anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol.
