Here are some health benefits of Strawberries

Here are some health benefits of Strawberries:

Give your immunity a boost

"Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C," says Toronto-based registered dietitian Madeleine Edwards. Most mammals – except for humans – have the ability to produce vitamin C naturally, which is why it's so important to get your daily requirement. "One serving contains 51.5 mg of vitamin C — about half of your daily requirement," Edwards says. "Double a serving to one cup and get 100 percent." Vitamin C is a well-known immunity booster, as well as a powerful, fast-working antioxidant.

Maintain your healthy vision

The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help to prevent cataracts — the clouding over of the eye lens — which can lead to blindness in older age. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from the sun's harsh UV rays, which can damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye's cornea and retina.

Ward off cancer

Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body's best defense. A phytochemical called ellagic acid — also found in strawberries — is another. "Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth," says Edwards. "Strawberries also contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells," she says.

Keep your wrinkles at bay

The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin's elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin. But vitamin C isn't the only naturally-occuring wrinkle fighter found in this fruit. Researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea concluded that ellagic acid visibly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response — two major factors in the development of wrinkles — in human skin cells, after continued exposure to skin-damaging UV-B rays.

Lower your cholesterol

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among Canadian women. Luckily, the benefits of strawberries include powerful heart-health boosters. "Ellagic acid and flavonoids — or phytochemical — can provide an antioxidant effect that can benefit heart health in various ways," explains Edwards. "One way includes counteracting the effect of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL — bad cholesterol in the blood, which causes plaque to build up in arteries. A second way is that they provide an anti-inflammatory effect, which is also good for the heart."

Reduce pesky inflammation

The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in strawberries may also help to reduce inflammation of the joints, which may cause arthritis and can also lead to heart disease. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health shows that women who eat 16 or more strawberries per week are 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) — an indication of inflammation in the body.

Regulate your blood pressure

Potassium is yet another heart healthy nutrient, and with 134 mg per serving, strawberries are considered a "medium source," according to Alberta Health Services. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure and may even help to lower high blood pressure by acting as a buffer against the negative effects of sodium. Thanks to their impact on the reduction of LDL, inflammation and high blood pressure, these benefits of strawberries have earned the tiny fruit the title as one of the most heart-healthy fruits you can eat. (Agencies)

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