Strawberries Health Benefits and Their Allergies

Some gems in nature make us feel surprised and happy every time we deal with them. Among these amazing gems, strawberries stand out with their attractive color and delicious taste, combining beauty and health and forming the perfect solution to many of your needs as a woman.

Strawberries contain an amazing group of vitamins and minerals that help you achieve balance and comprehensive health in your life, especially in a world that overwhelms you with responsibilities and pressures from all sides.

But with all the beautiful strawberry benefits, eating them may be a source of anxiety and fear for you and some women about developing an allergy to it. Here the solution comes in identifying how a strawberry allergy occurs and dealing with it.

In this article, we will explore the entire world of strawberries. We will learn about the health and beauty of strawberries’ benefits and the nutritional values ​​they possess. We will also shed light on strawberry allergies and how to deal with them to obtain the benefits of strawberries without being affected by the symptoms of the allergy.

We will not forget to provide you with recipes for some strawberry-rich dishes that you can try to enjoy the taste and strawberries’ benefits So, get ready to immerse yourself in this amazing journey with us.

Strawberries Nutritional Value

Strawberries have a high nutritional value, thanks to them containing many nutrients necessary for the body.

1 cup of strawberries weighing 144 grams contains the following:

• Calories: 196 calories.
• Carbohydrates: 11 grams.
• Dietary fiber: 3 g.
• Protein: 1 g.
• Total fat: 0 g.
• Sodium: 1 mg.
• Potassium: 220 mg.
• Magnesium: 19 mg.
• Vitamin A: 17 IU.
• Vitamin C: 85 mg.
• Folic acid: 35 micrograms.

Strawberries Benefits

Because it contains many valuable nutrients, strawberries have many health benefits that benefit the body and skin.

Among the health benefits of strawberries, we mention for example:

Promoting cardiovascular health

Several studies have shown that eating strawberries can help prevent many conditions that can lead to cardiovascular disease. This is thanks to it containing anthocyanin and potassium compounds.

It was found, through conducting a small study, that eating three and a half cups of strawberries over a month can reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol in the body by 5%.

Reducing triglycerides in the blood also stands out as one of the benefits of strawberries for the heart, as their high levels and deposition on the vessels lead to atherosclerosis and the accompanying health complications in all organs of the body.

In addition, eating strawberries reduces blood pressure due to the good amounts of potassium they contain, which enhances the health of blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces the risk of various heart diseases.

Promoting brain health

Strawberries play an important role in promoting brain health thanks to a group of compounds and nutrients they contain, the most important of which are flavonoids that reduce harmful oxidation in the brain and protect nerve cells from damage.

A study was conducted that measured the brain functions of more than 16,000 participants over six years and found that people who ate a large amount of strawberries had less cognitive decline, and their thinking and processing abilities were not weakened to the same extent. Rather, they had the brain power of someone younger than them two and a half years.

Other studies conducted to reveal the benefits of strawberries on the brain also indicated that people who ate strawberries were 34% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Supporting the immune system

Strengthening immunity is one of the most important health benefits of strawberries. This is because it is a wonderful source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which the body cannot produce, which makes us turn to eating foods rich in vitamin C to obtain it.

Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing and preventing scurvy, which causes bleeding, bruising, and anemia. It also supports the immune system and prevents infections of the respiratory system in particular and the body in general, as research shows that vitamin C increases the production of the following:

• T cells: These are immune cells that work to remove infected and cancerous cells from the body.
• B cells: These are immune cells that make antibodies in the body so that they can defend against germs entering it.

Therefore, researchers suggest eating eight strawberries daily, which provides 160 mg of vitamin C, to enjoy good health throughout the year.

Regulating blood sugar levels

High blood sugar is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and many other heart diseases. However, there is a group of foods that have proven effective in controlling blood sugar levels, most notably strawberries.

It was found in a Finnish study conducted that people who ate strawberries with a piece of white bread released a 26% lower amount of insulin compared to other people who ate white bread with cucumbers or cranberries Therefore, only strawberries were weaker than the increase in blood sugar after the meal.

Preventing constipation

Strawberries play an important role in preventing constipation and enhancing the health of the digestive system because they contain a high percentage of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, which in turn increases the size of the fecal mass and improves bowel movement, which contributes to preventing constipation and facilitating the digestive process.

Strawberries also contain 90% water, which in turn helps moisturize and soften the stool and facilitate the exit process.

In addition, strawberries are a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive system and contribute to enhancing intestinal health and preventing constipation.

Supporting eye health

Eating strawberries preserves the cornea and protects the eyes from cataracts, which is a condition in which cataracts occur and can lead to blindness if not treated. In addition to the role of strawberries in preventing macular degeneration in the eye. Alll thanks to the antioxidants they contain.

Strawberries benefits for the eyes can also be obtained through external use by placing thick slices of cooled strawberries on the eyelids for 15 minutes and then washing them before bed if you suffer from puffy eyelids in the early morning. This is due to the effect of the alpha hydroxy acid present in strawberries, which makes the skin around the eyes appear smoother.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the distinctive benefits of strawberries. Strawberries contain malic acid, which removes stains and plaque from the teeth and makes them appear whiter.

This benefit is obtained by crushing a little strawberry with baking soda, applying the mixture like toothpaste, distributing it all over the teeth, waiting for five minutes, and then rinsing it with water.

However, you must be careful not to use it too much so that it does not damage the tooth enamel.

Improving skin and delay aging

Eating strawberries regularly or applying a strawberry face mask helps in obtaining glowing and radiant skin. This is due to the alpha hydroxy acid found in strawberries, which we talked about previously in maintaining the softness of the eyelid skin.

Alpha hydroxy acid works to get rid of dead skin cells, cleanses the skin, and delays the appearance of signs of aging. It also helps improve and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.

Removing dark spots and blemishes

Salicylic acid and ellagic acid in strawberries reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin and also work to exfoliate dead skin cells and tighten pores.

It can be applied by making a paste of strawberries with honey, rose water, or milk placing it on the skin in the morning for 15 minutes, and then rinsing it off.

Preventing hair loss

Vitamin C in strawberries helps absorb iron from the digestive system better. Its deficiency leads to brittle hair and dandruff, in addition to strawberries containing silica, which prevents alopecia. Vitamins B5, B6, and folic acid also prevent hair loss.

Maintaining healthy nails

The benefits of strawberries also extend to nails, thanks to strawberries containing biotin, which is one of the most important components for healthy nails, as biotin works to improve the keratin infrastructure, improve nail growth, and make them healthier and shiny.

Strawberries Benefits for Pregnant Women

Strawberries are of particular importance to pregnant women because they contain high levels of folic acid B9, which is an important food for pregnant women.

Folic acid is considered essential for the development of the fetus’s neural tube and the development of its nerve and brain system, in addition to the formation of the fetus’s DNA to enhance its overall growth and development.

Therefore, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus, such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

Strawberries Side Effects

Despite the many benefits of strawberries that we mentioned previously, they may cause some side effects if consumed in excess or only in some women.

Among these side effects, we mention to you the following:

• Allergy: This occurs in women who are allergic to strawberries and other berry derivatives.
• Slowing blood clotting: Excessive consumption of strawberries slows blood clotting, and this is due to the ability of strawberries to increase blood fluidity in the body.
• Diarrhea: Eating large amounts of strawberries can cause intestinal colic in some people, which may also be accompanied by diarrhea.

Tips When Eating Strawberries

There are some tips that you should adhere to, my dear when eating strawberries because they play a role in enhancing your access to the amazing benefits of strawberries and avoiding their side effects.

Here are some of the most prominent tips:

1. Make sure to wash strawberries well with water before eating them.
2. Eat strawberries moderately, so that you do not eat more than eight strawberries a day.
3. Add strawberries to dishes if you don’t prefer to eat them alone.
4. Make sure you are not allergic to strawberries before eating them.
5. Choose ripe strawberries to ensure their quality and freshness.
6. Avoid strawberries with mold or any dark spots.
7. Keep strawberries in the refrigerator and eat them within a few days of purchase, to preserve their fresh flavor and texture.

Strawberry Allergy

Some women suffer from a negative reaction in the body to strawberries called strawberry allergy, which, although uncommon, still affects the lives of some women today.

This problem occurs when the immune system misidentifies strawberry proteins and treats them as harmful substances entering the body. This leads to the production of histamine and antibodies responsible for the occurrence of allergic reactions and the appearance of their symptoms.

The Fragaria allergen protein is considered the main compound that causes strawberry allergy, and it is the compound that gives strawberries their red color. Therefore, strawberries that do not turn red when ripe lack this compound and do not lead to strawberry allergy.

Strawberry Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of a strawberry allergy range from mild to severe, and vary from woman to woman. Although most women with a strawberry allergy experience mild to moderate symptoms, some women are likely to experience more serious symptoms that may be life-threatening.

The most common strawberry allergy symptoms include:

• Itching and sore throat and mouth.
• Throat tightness feeling
• Skin Itching
• Coughing and wheezing.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Goosebumps.

Foods to avoid with a strawberry allergy

Some women who have a strawberry allergy can eat cooked strawberries without having any reactions to them, but it is best to speak with a doctor before that if you are suffering from moderate to severe reactions to strawberries.

Some fruits also contain proteins similar to those found in strawberries, which are responsible for causing allergies, so it is best to avoid them.

These foods include, for example:

• Apples.
• Cherry.
• Raspberry.
• Peaches.
• Banana.
• Some nuts such as hazelnuts.
• Carrots.
• Apricot.
• Cantaloupe.
• Celery.

If you are not sure which foods trigger your symptoms, you may benefit from an allergy test to rule out common allergens that may be causing you some discomfort.

Best Recipes Rich in Strawberries

Madam, you can try some nutritional recipes to obtain the amazing benefits of strawberries if you do not prefer to eat them alone, or if you want to try foods rich in them.

Here, my dear, are the best delicious recipes rich in strawberries:

Strawberry pudding

Strawberry pudding is considered a simple and easy-to-prepare dessert, and it is part of the Arab heritage in preparing sweets. Strawberry pudding has a creamy texture and delicious flavor that combines soft sweetness with the refreshing flavor of fresh strawberries.

These sweets contain many nutritional ingredients necessary to enjoy the benefits of strawberries that affect various organs of the body.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of milk.
• 3 cups of strawberries.
• 2 cups of water.
• 2 tablespoons of starch.
• 1/2 cup sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 1 cup chopped strawberries for garnish (optional).

How to prepare:

1. Clean the strawberries well, then cut them into small pieces and mash them gently.
2. Place the mashed strawberries in a bowl and add the sugar and water.
3. Raise the pot over medium heat, then add the milk and starch and continue stirring until the mixture begins to boil and thicken.
4. Reduce the heat once the mixture starts to boil, and continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens more.
5. Remove the pot from the heat, add the vanilla extract, and stir well.
6. Leave the mixture to cool slightly, then pour it into deep dishes and garnish with strawberry pieces as desired.
7. Place the dishes in the refrigerator until they solidify, then enjoy the benefits of strawberries and their delicious taste.

Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry cheesecake is a famous and delicious dessert that consists of a crunchy base made of crushed biscuits, covered with a cream layer, and decorated on top with a thick layer of strawberry sauce.

Strawberry cheesecake is characterized by its delicious and refreshing taste, as it combines the rich, creamy taste of cheese with the sweet and sour flavor of strawberries at the same time. It is considered a great choice for lovers of cheese-based desserts and those who want to get the distinctive benefits of strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 125 grams of crushed plain biscuits.
• 75 grams of butter.
• 300 grams of cream cheese.
• 60 grams of sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 250 milliliters of liquid cream.
• 1 and 1/2 cups of strawberry jam.
• 2 cups of fresh strawberries.

How to prepare:

1. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add it to the crushed biscuits and mix well.
2. Place the mixture in a cheesecake mold and press the mixture well with a spoon to make the base.
3. Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl with the sugar and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Whip the cream until it doubles in size and thickens.
5. Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
6. Pour the mixture over the biscuit layer and spread it well.
7. Place the cheesecake mold in the refrigerator until it solidifies.
8. Spread the strawberry jam until it covers the entire outer surface.
9. Add a few strawberry pieces for decoration.
10. Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator and leave it there for at least 3 hours before serving it.

Strawberry pie

Strawberry pie is one of the most delicious classic desserts that is very popular in the spring and summer. This pie is characterized by a wonderful combination of flavors as it combines sweet and salty tastes at the same time, and is usually served as an ideal dessert for family occasions and summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of puff pastry dough.
• 2 cups of strawberries cut into slices.
• 3 tablespoons of sugar.
• 2 tablespoons of soft butter.
• 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
• 1 cup of milk.

How to prepare:

1. Place the chopped strawberries in a medium-sized bowl, add the sugar, and leave them aside for about half an hour.
2. Spread the puff pastry dough and spread the strawberry filling on it.
3. Close the dough well at the edges in a rectangular shape, then make slits with a knife on the surface of the dough and place it in the baking tray.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
5. Grease the surface of the dough with butter, and place the tray in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until browned.
6. In a bowl, mix the sugar with the milk until you get a creamy and smooth mixture.
7. Take the strawberry pies out of the oven and leave them aside for 15 minutes until they cool, then spread the sugar and milk mixture on top and serve.

In conclusion, remember that strawberries are one of nature’s gifts that give us a delicious flavor and valuable health benefits. They carry with them sweetness and freshness and add a touch of bright and attractive colors to our lives. But as is the case with any other food, despite the uncountable benefits of strawberries, we must be careful of our sensitivity.

Enjoy eating ripe strawberries with intelligence and awareness, and savor the pleasure of the moment with full focus. If you suffer from a strawberry allergy, do not hesitate to consult doctors to obtain appropriate advice and guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberries Benefits

Written by: Elssy Karsh

Sources

Cleveland Clinic

FEMINA

Eating Well