The health benefits of a fruit have been highlighted with experts saying they can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. This advice was shared on the Fast 800 website, where promotes a healthy lifestyle through time-restricted eating and a Mediterranean diet.
Health guru Dr Michael Mosley, who sadly died last year, is behind the site, known for his numerous books, TV and radio shows, and the Just One Thing podcast. He previously said: “Strawberries can help to limit inflammation, manage blood sugars, reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as containing a healthy dose of vitamin C to support your immune system. Strawberries are also low in calories so they’re a great, sweet option to enjoy on fasting and non-fasting days.
“Topping the strawberries with chopped hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds provides that extra boost of healthy fats which can help keep you full all evening after your meal. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, have even been shown to improve heart health, fertility, mood, energy levels and sleep quality. Paired with the decadently dripped dark chocolate topping, which also improves mood and blood flow.”
BBC Good Food has explained the health benefits of strawberries.
Strawberry health benefits may include:
- Low in calories compared to other fruits
- Could help prevent inflammatory conditions, like heart disease
- A source of heart-friendly nutrients which may help manage blood pressure
- Slow down digestion of glucose
- Help manage some of the effects of type-2 diabetes
- May prevent certain cancers
- Useful for weight management as they’re low-GI
- Contain flavonoids which may slow age-related memory loss
- Alleviate pain from conditions like osteoarthritis
- Fuel beneficial bacteria in the gut
Nutritionist Kerry Torrens said: “The anti-inflammatory effects of strawberries may alleviate the pain of joint conditions like osteoarthritis. One study reported a reduction in pain and inflammation in obese adults who consumed a 50g drink prepared from freeze-dried strawberries daily for 12 weeks.
“Consuming strawberries appears to slow down our digestion of glucose and moderates our use of insulin, especially when they are eaten with a high-carb meal. It’s the colourful anthocyanins which appears to action this effect.”
One possible recipe for using them recipe involves halving strawberries, dipping them in melted chocolate, sprinkling them with crushed hazelnut and pumpkin seeds, then chilling them in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which can potentially safeguard your body from oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. They’re also a rich source of dietary fibre, beneficial for digestion, maintaining regular bowel movements, and managing blood sugar levels.
Besides vitamin C and fibre, strawberries are also loaded with other essential nutrients including manganese, folate, potassium, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.