Strawberries are delicious and full of antioxidant properties. There help eliminate all kinds of toxins form the body. In some cases, strawberries also help reduce the levels of cholesterol.
It may be noted that the fleshy section of strawberry is not formed from the ovaries, but from the receptacle that holds them. Hence, strawberries are also categorized as a false fruit or an accessory fruit. There are currently around 600 species or different kinds of strawberries that farmers cultivate across the world.
Nutrition and calories in strawberries
Strawberries are not just tasty and juicy fruits, but are also full of varied essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
It has been found that 100 grams of unsweetened, frozen strawberries tends to contain about 35 calories, 89.9 grams water, 9.1 grams carbohydrates, 4.4 grams sugar, 2.2 grams dietary fiber,0.12 grams fat, and 0.44 gramsof protein.
Provided below is a table detailing the varied nutritional content occurring in 100 grams of frozen and unsweetened strawberries.
| Nutrient | Value |
| Vitamin C | 41.2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 IU |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.022 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.462 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.29 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.037 mg |
| Folate | 17 mcg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Potassium | 153 mg |
| Iron | 0.75 mg |
| Phosphorus | 13 mg |
| Zinc | 0.13 mg |
It has been found that 100 grams of raw strawberries tends to contain about 32 calories, 91 grams water, 7.6 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams of sugar, 1.9 grams dietary fiber, and 0.68 gramsof protein.At 0.4 gram per 100 grams of raw strawberries, the fat content is extremely low. The fruit does not have any cholesterol.
Provided below is a table detailing the varied nutritional content occurring in 100 grams of fresh raw strawberries.
| Nutrient | Value |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 12 IU |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.024 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.2 mcg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.386 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.29 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.022 mg |
| Folate | 24 mcg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Potassium | 153 mg |
| Iron | 0.41 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Zinc | 0.14 mg |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC in the US has confirmed a serving to be half a cup of sliced strawberries. According to the CDC, each serving contains just 25 calories and none of them are obtained from fat. It can thus be said that 1 serving of strawberries is just above one percent of the total calories consumed daily, for people who consume 2000 calories per day.
As per the National Nutrient Database of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, every half a cup of the berries offer nearly 80 percent of the daily recommended needs of vitamin C. Each half cup also contains 127 mg of potassium and thus a great source of the nutrient.As for other nutrients, a serving of strawberries has 6 grams of carbs, out of which 2 grams are obtained from dietary fiber and 4 grams from sugars. Thus, a single serving of the fruit provides humans with 7 % of the total suggested daily fiber content or value. A single serving also has one gram of protein.
Strawberries and its health benefits
As discussed above, strawberries are loaded with nutrients. They are regarded as an excellent source of flavonoids and vitamin C.Strawberries can be ingested in numerous ways; it can be baked as a pie; it can be dipped or soaked in melted chocolate and eaten; it can be eaten fresh and raw; or it can be sliced and added to a cold cereal. Whatever the method of consumption, the essential nutrients and the low calorie content are the same.When strawberries are eaten in moderate quantities, it can be very beneficial for the health of humans.
Listed below are some of the common health benefits of strawberries:
- Strawberries have abundant amounts of ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. It may be noted that the pigments help decrease the risk to cancer development and cardiovascular conditions. Intake of this delectable fruit also aids in the efficient removal of toxins from the blood and body, which further lowers the vulnerability to developing varied diseases.
- Strawberries help prevent a host of inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Carrots are good for ocular health. Similarly, strawberry intake also help improve the health of the eyes. Eating the berry on a regular basis helps prevent the onset of macular degeneration.
- Strawberries have significant amounts of magnesium and potassium. Hence, intake of the berry helps lower hypertension or high blood pressure.
- The substantial folate content in strawberries plays a major role in the prevention of birth abnormalities or defects.
- The different compounds present in strawberries tend to decrease the aging rate of the nervous system and the brain.
- The elevated levels of vitamin C in strawberries help prevent and fight infections such as cold, etc.
