Often overlooked for their nutritional value, strawberries are emerging as a surprising superfood with the ability to combat acne and cancer, and even promote hair growth. According to 20minutos.es, these common fruits pack a punch for skin and hair health, offering significant benefits that can counteract the effects of stress and poor diet.
Recent scientific studies have shown that strawberries are packed with vitamin C and polyphenols. These have been proven to lower LDL cholesterol, blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and other factors associated with chronic illnesses.
The research points out: “Antioxidants help lower risk of cardiovascular events by inhibition of LDL-cholesterol oxidation, promotion of plaque stability, improved vascular endothelial function, and decreased tendency for thrombosis.”
Strawberries or oranges?
In a twist that might surprise citrus lovers, strawberries contain even more vitamin C than oranges in concentration when it comes to the vitamin. . This essential nutrient is renowned for its skin-enhancing and antioxidant effects, thanks to flavonoids like anthocyanins and polyphenols such as ellagic acid.
Can strawberries help cancer?
These elements guard cells against oxidative harm and inflammation. Additionally, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are crucial for cell renewal. In fact, ellagic acid has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties, meaning “it suppresses cancer cell growth.”
Strawberries are good for hair
According to another study, the fruit’s high vitamin C content helps boost hair roots and follicles and preventing hair loss. Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium work together with vitamins to nourish dry and brittle hair, enhancing its overall strength and texture.
Strawberries are also good for your skin, the studies suggest that their skincare benefits include “removing impurities and softening the skin as well as soothing allergies and other irritants and providing protection against pollution.”
They can also help brighten skin and remove age spots. The study suggests: “You can squeeze the fruit to extract its juice and place it in a small cup. Apply the juice all over your face with a cotton ball and rinse off with lukewarm water after 10 to 15 minutes to get a glowing complexion.”
“Strawberry contains ellagic acid which, when applied topically protects the skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which are primarily responsible for skin ageing.”
Strawberries can combat acne
Strawberries might just be the superfood you need to combat acne, according to a recent study. The experts behind the research have said: “Vitamin C, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), salicylic acid and flavonoids in strawberries help in clearing acne and reducing oil. Thus, strawberry is a common ingredient in commercial anti-acne products and moisturisers.”
Strawberries can lower cholesterol
In addition, these delicious fruits can also play a role in lowering cholesterol levels. This is attributed to the fact that “strawberries are rich in phyto-nutrients which are a type of plant chemicals that contain protective, disease-preventing, compounds. These phenolic compounds are responsible for the fruit’s colour, taste and smell.”
Specifically, “Once such phenolic compound, flavonoids, are known to be high in antioxidants. They have been proved to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the oxidation of low density lipo-protein (LDL).”