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Strawberries were prized enough to be sold for medicinal purposes in France in the 14th century, and were considered a fruit dedicated to the goddess of marriage in northern Europe. The benefits of strawberry are said to help prevent dementia.
As life expectancy increases, dementia is probably one of the conditions we want to avoid the most. According to the Korea Dementia Center's 'Status of Dementia in Korea 2022' report, about 10% of the elderly population aged 65 and over in Korea suffer from dementia, and the number of people with dementia is expected to continue to increase and exceed 1 million in 2023. As the number of dementia patients will continue to increase with the increase in the elderly population, it is important to know how to prevent dementia and practice it consistently.
Let's take a look at the benefits of strawberry to help prevent dementia.
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Benefits of Strawberry
Strawberries are in season from May to July, but nowadays, strawberries have become a fruit that can be eaten almost all year round, thanks to house-grown strawberries. House-grown strawberries are more popular than seasonal strawberries because they are sweeter and less sour. Let's take a look at the benefits of strawberry that can be eaten all year round.
1. Rich in vitamin C
Strawberries are very rich in vitamin C, with one cup of strawberries providing about 150% of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin. Eating just 5 to 7 strawberries a day can help you get the vitamin C you need.
READ MORE: 7 Vitamin C Benefits: Immunity Boosting Vitamins
2. Promotes heart health
Strawberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help reduce the risk of heart disease. These antioxidants are responsible for lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation in the arteries.
3. High in fiber
Eating foods rich in fiber is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Strawberries are high in fiber, which is good for gut health and can help prevent constipation.
4. Helps control blood sugar
Strawberries have a low glycemic index (GI), which means they don't spike blood sugar levels, making them an ideal snack for diabetics and those who need to control their blood sugar.
5. Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties
Strawberries contain flavonoids such as quercetin, which is also found in onions, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These compounds are being studied for their protective effects, especially against inflammation-related diseases and some types of cancer.
6. Improves skin health
Along with vitamin C, the ellagic acid found in strawberries can help delay skin aging. These ingredients can boost collagen production and protect the skin from UV damage.
Dementia prevention research
Research from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the United States suggests that strawberries are a brain food that may lower the risk of dementia. The study was conducted on 30 overweight men and women between the ages of 50 and 65 who complained of mild cognitive impairment.
Reference : https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/11/uc-study--strawberry-consumption-may-reduce-dementia-risk-for-middle-aged-individuals.html
How the study was conducted
- The study participants were divided into two groups for a 12-week experiment.
- One group consumed a cup's worth of strawberry powder and water at breakfast.
- The control group received a placebo, not strawberries.
The results of the study
- The group that consumed strawberry powder performed better on a memory test.
- They were also observed to have lower levels of depressive symptoms.
The study's significance
Study leader Dr. Robert Krikorian explained that anthocyanins and other antioxidants found in strawberries may help improve cognitive function.
It suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins may contribute to improved cognitive function.
This study shows the potential for strawberries to contribute to dementia prevention and provides a rationale for including them in the diets of older adults.
Are frozen strawberries good for you?
Frozen strawberries don't have any significant nutritional differences compared to fresh strawberries, and they have the advantage of being easy to consume year-round. When trying to maintain healthy eating habits, frozen strawberries seem to be a very effective option.
Nutrient preservation
- Vitamin preservation: The freezing process minimizes the destruction of nutrients in strawberries, especially sensitive vitamins such as vitamin C. Since they are frozen immediately after harvest, the nutrients are preserved before they are lost.
- Antioxidants: Frozen strawberries, like fresh strawberries, contain high levels of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which are well preserved through the freezing process.
Affordability and accessibility
- Long-term storage: Frozen strawberries can be stored for much longer than fresh strawberries.
- Price stability: Frozen strawberries are less prone to seasonal price fluctuations, so they can be purchased at a relatively stable price throughout the year.
Tips for eating strawberries
- It's recommended to eat about 5 to 7 berries per day.
- When choosing fresh strawberries, look for strawberries with dark green stems and leaves that have not dried out.
Strawberries should be consumed within 3 days of purchase, and when storing, leave the stems on and keep them airtight.. - When cleaning strawberries, it's best to remove the stems just before eating, soak them in water for a few minutes, and then wash them under running water before eating.
- Some frozen strawberries may contain additional sugar or preservatives, so it's a good idea to check the label before buying.
- Frozen strawberries are best eaten or used in cooking immediately after thawing.
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SUMMARY
Strawberries are a superfood that not only look and taste great, but also offer a wide range of benefits of strawberry. Rich in vitamin C to boost the immune system, antioxidants to protect heart health, and fiber to improve digestive health, the list of strawberry benefits is long. Plus, recent research suggests that strawberries may even help reduce the risk of dementia, so they're a great food for all ages.
Five to seven strawberries can provide most of your daily vitamin C needs, and they're easy to pick, so just remove the stems and soak them in water before eating, then wash them under running water for a pesticide-free experience.