Strawberry Health & Strawberry Nutrition Information
These plump, sweet, rubylike berries are nutritional jewels and were prized by the Romans for their medicinal properties. Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more Vitamin C than citrus fruit which may come as a surprise to orange lovers! According to the American Cancer Society, foods rich in Vitamin C may lower the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Rich in dietary fiber and manganese, strawberries are also an excellent source of ellagic acid, a phytochemical that helps combat carcinogens. They are also a good source of antioxidant flavonoids, such as anthocynanins. When the USDA analyzed a variety of fruits to rate their antioxidant power, strawberries came in second (blueberries were first).
A study by Dr. Gene Spiller, Nutrition and Health Research Center, has shown that eating one serving (about 8-10 strawberries) a day can significantly decrease blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Other studies showed additional benefits: Strawberries are found to reduce risk of cancer, enhance memory function and rheumatoid arthritis.
The strawberry is technically a "false" fruit because it grows from the base rather than from the ovary of a flower, and so is not a true berry.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (166 grams)
Calories 50
Protein 1 gram
Carbohydrates 11.65 grams
Dietary Fiber 3.81 grams
Calcium 23.24 mg
Iron 0.63 mg
Magnesium 16.60 mg
Phosphorus 31.54 mg
Potassium 44.82 mg
Selenium 1.16 mg
Vitamin C 94.12 mg
Folate 29.38 mcg
Vitamin A 44..82 IU
When Measuring Strawberries:
1 1/2 pounds = 2 pints or 1 quart
1 small basket = 1 pint
1 pint = 3 1/4 cups whole berries
1 pint = 2 1/4 cups sliced berries
1 pint - 1 2/3 cup pureed berries
1 cup = about 4 ounces
A daily serving of (8 medium) strawberries provides:
- 45-50 Calories with 12g Carbohydrate, 1g Protein, and 0g Fat
- 160% of your day's supply of vitamin C (more than one orange!)
- 16% of your day's supply of fiber
- 20% of your day's supply of folic acid (aids in the prevention of birth defects)
- 3520 ORAC Value* (provides anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits)
*Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity is an assay that measures the antioxidant activity of a substance. That is, it quantifies the degree and length of time it takes to inhibit the action of an oxidizing agent - specifically oxygen radicals - known to cause damage to the delicate machinery of living cells. Substances assayed can include natural products such as fruits and vegetables, beverages, supplements, plasma, serum, and urine. Antioxidants 'sponge up' or remove free radicals.
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