Introduction:
Strawberries are universally loved fruit, and which is used in the preparations of milkshakes, jellies, and jams to pastries. Strawberry lends its vibrant colour, provides a sweet taste to various food-related items, and can also be used to develop strawberry cream. Strawberries can grow all over the world and USA is the leading producer of strawberries. Strawberry belongs to the family Rosaceae and the genus Fragaria. Strawberry is grown in sub-tropical, temperate, Mediterranean and grassland regions. Strawberry is a herbaceous, perennial plant and unlike its name suggests, the strawberry is not a true berry. Strawberry is a rich source of carbohydrates, fibres, and sugars. Let us look at some of the health benefits of strawberries.1
Nutritional Value of Strawberry:
Strawberry contains the following nutrients:
| Nutritional Component | Value |
| Water | 91 g |
| Protein | 0.67 g |
| Total Lipid | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 7.68 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Sugars | 4.89 g |
| Sucrose | 0.47 g |
| Glucose | 1.99 g |
| Fructose | 2.44 g |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Potassium | 153 mg |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.047 mg |
Table 1: Nutritional Content of Strawberry (raw fruit)2
Also Read: Mulberry: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Properties of Strawberry:
Strawberry may possess the following properties:
- It may protect against cancer
- It may reduce inflammation
- It may cardioprotective
- It may have properties to reduce obesity
- It may be used against diabetes
- It may be used against fungal infections
- It may be used against bacterial infections
- It may be a possible antioxidant3
Also Read: Cherries: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Potential Uses of Strawberry for Overall Health:
There are several health benefits of eating strawberries every day. Some of the potential benefits of strawberries follow:
1. Potential use of strawberry for inflammation
Inflammation is a biological process that helps the body from various diseases and helps in wound healing. Fault in the process of inflammation can cause damage to the body and may lead to the progression of multiple diseases like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart problems. Several study model results have shown that strawberries may have anti-inflammatory properties and these properties of strawberries may be due to the presence of vitamins and polyphenols.3 You must consult your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or discomfort and get diagnosed with diseases that may have been caused due to fault in the mechanism of inflammation.
2. Potential use of strawberries for heart diseases
Strawberries may possess properties that can protect the heart. The presence of constituents like flavonoids, anthocyanin, phenolic compounds, and other micronutrients may protect the heart by reducing cardiovascular risk. A study was conducted on human volunteers, who consumed strawberries regularly. The results showed that the risk of hypertension was reduced for individuals who consumed strawberries regularly.3 However, if you are experiencing any heart disease symptoms or history, you must immediately consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
3. Potential use of strawberry for atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of arteries due to the deposition of cholesterol, and other substances on the inner walls of arteries. Studies showed that the consumption of freeze-dried strawberries may decrease bad cholesterol.3 However, you must consult your doctor if you are diagnosed with atherosclerosis instead of self-medicating.
4. Potential use of strawberries for obesity
Strawberries may reduce obesity and manage weight by suppressing adipose tissue growth (body fat). In addition, studies showed that consuming strawberries may reduce the risk of heart disease in obese individuals.3 However, you must consult your doctor if you are overweight and get proper treatment instead of self-medicating.
5. Potential use of strawberries for diabetes
Strawberry may be beneficial in the case of type 2 diabetes. Strawberry contains flavonoids that may show anti-diabetic action by inhibiting glucose uptake and maintaining the blood-sugar level. A study showed that consumption of whole strawberry fruit might be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.3 However, if you have high blood sugar levels, you must consult your doctor and get proper treatment instead of self-medicating.
6. Potential use of strawberries for cancer
Strawberries may play a defensive role in the body for certain types of cancers. A study conducted showed that strawberries might reduce the risk of oesophagal squamous cell carcinoma. Strawberries may also help to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer. Strawberries when consumed after an amine-rich diet may inhibit the cancer precursors.3However, cancer is a serious disease; you must consult your doctor and take proper treatment instead of self-medicating.
7. Potential use of strawberry for neurodegenerative disorders
Strawberries may be beneficial to nervous system-related disorders. Constituents of strawberries like phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenes may play a role in neurodegenerative disorders by protecting the nervous system.3 However, you must consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of disorders related to the nervous system. Do not self-medicate.
8. Potential use of strawberry for microbial infections
Strawberries may show antibacterial activity against several bacteria. Strawberries contain different phenolic compounds which may deactivate the bacteria.3 However, if you suspect a microbial infection, you must get it diagnosed and consult a doctor for proper medication instead of self-medicating.
Also Read: Peaches: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
How to Use Strawberry?
Strawberries can be consumed as fresh fruit. However, you must wash the fruit thoroughly with water before consuming it.
It can also be consumed in jam, jelly, milkshakes, yoghurt, and smoothie.1
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking strawberries in large quantities or any other herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Side Effects of Strawberry:
Strawberry, a natural substance has no specific side effects. However, if any reaction is noticed on using it, seek immediate medical attention. Consult your ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you; they will be able to identify the cause and treat it effectively.
Precautions to Take with Strawberry:
General precautions should be taken with strawberries, as in any other general medicine. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should take special care. You must consult your doctor before having strawberries. Precaution should be taken before giving strawberries to the elderly or children. In such cases, you must have strawberries only if your doctor prescribes them.
Interactions with Other Drugs:
You must not consume strawberries with the following drugs:
- Aspirin
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)4
Consult your doctor if you are taking any other medication before consuming strawberries.
Also Read: Star Fruit: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What are the advantages of strawberries?
Strawberries may help in the case of inflammation, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and microbial infection. However, you must not self-medicate and consult your doctor in case you experience any symptoms of the mentioned disease.3
2) Does strawberry cure jaundice?
No, there are no studies related to it.
3) Which drugs can interact with strawberries?
Aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelets and NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may interact with strawberries.4 Therefore, consult your doctor if you are taking any other medication before consuming strawberries.
4) What are the nutrients present in the strawberries?
Strawberry contains proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, sucrose, fructose, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and other nutrients.2
5) Can strawberries be used in case of fungal infections?
Yes, strawberries may be used against fungal infections.
References:
1. Strawberries | Food Source Information [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 18]. Available from: https://fsi.colostate.edu/strawberries/#food-safety
2. FoodData Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 18]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167762/nutrients
3. Afrin S, Gasparrini M, Forbes-Hernandez TY, Reboredo-Rodriguez P, Mezzetti B, Varela-López A, et al. Promising Health Benefits of the Strawberry: A Focus on Clinical Studies. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry [Internet]. 2016 Jun 8 [cited 2022 Aug 18];64(22):4435–49. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b00857
4. Hayk S. Arakelyan. Strawberry Dangerous Interactions [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 18]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341640658_Strawberry_Dangerous_Interactions
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
The post Strawberry: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode appeared first on PharmEasy Blog.
from PharmEasy Blog
via source
This post have 0 komentar
EmoticonEmoticon