The juicy, plump strawberry is always a favorite come the warm months of late spring and summer. While their sweet taste takes the cake, strawberries burst with phytochemicals and antioxidants, which produce a stellar array nutritional benefits, from anti-cancer activity to heart health.
Strawberries for Antioxidants
Strawberries have become known for their high content of antioxidants, which produce myriad effects. One study found strawberry phenolic compounds to reduce oxidative stress and cell death and to have protective effects on neuronal cells. (Source) Another study analyzed the antioxidative and anti-aging effects of strawberry extract on human fibroblasts, cells that are responsible for collagen formation. The strawberry extract was found to have high antioxidative activity, to protect against oxidative damage and to improve mitochondrial function. (Source)
Strawberries for Anti-Cancer Activity
Research continues to show the potential of strawberries in cancer prevention, from skin cancer to colon cancer. One study that administered strawberries to mice with colon cancer found tumor incidence to decrease as supplementation of strawberries increased. Additionally, strawberries were found to reduce expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and to target signaling for preventative pathways against colon carcinogenesis. (Source) Another study found lyophilized strawberries to inhibit oral tumorogenesis in hamsters (source), while a different study investigated the effects of strawberry extract on leukemia and breast cancer cells, and discovered the extract to inhibit tumor proliferation by causing cell death. (Source) The anti-cancer activity of strawberries is more than skin deep, but they have been shown to fight skin cancer as well. One study found crude strawberry extract to significantly reduce proliferation of melanoma cells, indicating the potential of strawberries in treating this type of cancer. (Source)
Strawberries for Cardiovascular Health
Due to their high flavanoid content, strawberries provide much potential in preventing cardiovascular disease. One study found dietary supplementation of freeze-dried strawberries to reduce total serum and LDL cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in adults with abdominal adiposity and elevated cholesterol. (Source) Another study discovered that strawberry extract inhibits platelet aggregation, which causes thrombosis, by inhibiting the inflammatory mechanisms of atherosclerosis. (Source)
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Strawberries, 1 cup (152g)
Calories: 49
Total Fat: 0g
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 98.8mg
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 137mg
Sodium: 2g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 149% Daily Value
Vitamin K: 4%
Vitamin B6: 4%
Magnesium: 5%
Phosphorous: 4%
Potassium: 7%
Copper: 4%
Manganese: 29%