Strawberries
Strawberries are one of the most commonly consumed berries in the world and also one of the best sources of vitamin C. One cup (144 grams) of whole strawberries provides:
- Calories: 46
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 94% of the DV
- Manganese: 24% of the DV
The heart benefits of strawberries are numerous. In fact, a study of over 93,000 women discovered that those who had more than three servings of strawberries and blueberries per week had a risk of heart attack that was nearly 30% lower. Strawberries may lower a number of heart disease risk variables, including blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidative stress, according to other studies. By reducing inflammatory substances like IL-1, IL-6, and C-reactive protein that are present in the blood, strawberries can help lessen inflammation (CRP).
Strawberries may also aid in blood sugar regulation, which is crucial for avoiding diabetes. In fact, a tiny study indicated that eating strawberries along with a high-carb, moderate-fat meal reduced the insulin response in overweight individuals. Last but not least, a different study found that consuming 2 ounces (60 grams) of freeze-dried strawberry powder per day decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory molecules in individuals who were at risk of developing esophageal cancer.