Some of the health benefits of strawberries can help all of us in one way or another. We can enjoy the health benefits of strawberries by eating them on a regular basis. We all know they are delicious, but also nutritious, and it would be great to have them as part of our daily diets. Unfortunately we are unable to purchase fresh strawberries all year long. Sometimes we need to buy frozen or dried strawberries.

We all know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that all Americans should eat at least five helpings of fresh vegetables and fruits every day, unfortunately most of us do not come close to that. If we could add strawberries to our daily diet, whether fresh or frozen, in smoothies, salads or alone we could possibly get enough fruit servings daily that our body needs for a healthy immune system. Most of us recognize the strawberry as having a sweet juicy taste but the nutritional value of strawberries is also good for us. Like many other fruits they have plenty of nutrients and antioxidants for a healthy body. The best fact yet is that the calories of strawberries are exceptionally low and they are a better choice than some cookies, a piece of pie, or a cupcake when you experience a snack attack.

Strawberries contain a large array of nutrients, with vitamin C at the head of the pack. They contain significant levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients that help fight free radicals. These antioxidants are believed to be what gives the strawberry a bright red color. I suppose you are wondering, what are free radicals? Free radicals are the elements which can cause damage to our cells, and they are believed to contribute to the formation of several types of cancer. Strawberries, in particular, contain phenol, which is a phytonutrient believed to help protect the cells and prevent damage to the organ system. Strawberries, being very rich in phenols, are not only helpful in cancer prevention but also protect the heart and reduce inflammation.

Strawberries not only contain vitamin C but are also an excellent source of manganese, vitamin K, as well as potassium, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B-5 and B-6, copper and iodine, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a wonderful source of dietary fiber, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-1 and biotin.   

Your eyes may also reap the benefits of strawberries. We are all familiar with the fact that carrots are an eye healthy food, but strawberries are also good for the eyes. By eating at least three helpings of fruit every day has been linked to a decreased risk of macular degeneration which is related to aging. This particular problem with the vision is called age-related macular degeneration, and considered as the top cause of sight loss. For those people who have extremely busy schedules sometimes think that eating three servings of fruit a day is too much, but strawberries are versatile and can compliment a salad, be a topping on yogurt, mixed in cereal, and blended in smoothies. You do not have to eat three helpings of strawberries each day, but three helpings of any type of fruit.

Another health benefit of strawberries may be the protection against rheumatoid arthritis. There have been studies that show that foods that are rich in vitamin-C may protect against some forms of degenerative arthritis, including polyarthritis. Polyarthritis is a variety of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is a good thing to remember that there are other studies that suggest just the opposite about large amounts of vitamin C. There is one study that says that osteoarthritis may even worsen with high levels of vitamin C.

Strawberries are not only delicious and nutrient-rich, but new research has suggested that they may offer protection against heart disease. The new study found that people who reported having eaten the most strawberries experienced lower blood levels of C-reactive protein, which is a biomarker for inflammed blood vessels. Why should we eat something red? Science suggests that the red pigments that are in many vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, strawberries, and tart cherries are high-powered disease-fighting antioxidants that could very possibly help inflammation reduction associated with hardening of the arteries and reduce some of the risk factors for heart disease. One can enjoy fresh strawberries, cherries and tomatoes when they are in season use canned tomatoes for pastas, dried cherries, strawberries and cranberries on cereal and use frozen strawberries for smoothies, yogurt toppings or on any type of dessert.