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Strawberries
Studies have shown that strawberries are rich in the disease-fighting antioxidants such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins. These antioxidants are the substance that gives strawberries their red colour. The red pigment in strawberries has also been shown to protect against heart problems. The antioxidants in strawberries (together with all the vitamins and minerals) are vital for helping to lower blood pressure and reducing risk of heart disease.
In 2002, a study found that people who ate about eight strawberries daily experienced an increase in blood folate levels and a decrease in blood pressure, which was an important finding for heart patients. These findings show the the importance of including fruit as part of a heart-healthy diet.
The folate (or folic acid) in strawberries is important not just in heart health, but it is also extermely important for women who want to get pregnant or who have just conceived. Many studies have shown that adequate folate is essential in ensuring that the risk of the unborn baby having any type of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) is minimised. This has been such an important finding that doctors recommend any women of child-bearing age need to ensure they get at least the recommended daily intake of folate in case they do become pregnant.
- What are superfoods?
- Benefits of superfoods
- 10 Superfoods
references
- Graci S, Diamond H, Martin JM, The Power of Superfoods, Prentice Hall Canada, 1999
- Pratt SG, Matthews, K. SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life, Harper-Collins Publishers USA, 2004
More information
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