Strawberries - calories and properties. The benefits and harms of strawberries

Is strawberry a berry or a nut?

This is one of the most popular garden crops in the world. But how to classify it, a strawberry or a fruit? Let's analyze:

• Fruits grow on trees, berries on the ground or bushes.
• The berries are distinguished by numerous seeds, sometimes very small (as, for example, raspberries). Strawberries also have them, only they are located not inside, but outside. But this is not a berry.
• According to botanical science, strawberries are considered to be nuts. And that's why. The usual red berries are the protruding receptacle. It contains the true fruits - dryish miniature seeds-nuts.

Strawberries are not a berry, not a fruit. It is classified as a multi-walnut, the softest of this family.

At the everyday level, strawberries are considered a berry.

Difference between strawberries and wild strawberries

What is usually called strawberries and grown in garden plots or cottages is actually garden strawberries.

But this is not a “cultivated” version of wild strawberries, but two different types:

1. Strawberries and strawberries have different “insides”. The inside of the strawberry is uniformly red, the strawberry version is whitish and has a column-like stem.
2. The strawberry fruit is larger, juicier, and softer than the strawberry fruit.
3. Wild berries are more fragrant.

Strawberry is a purely Russian name. Derived from the Old Russian "klub", meaning "roundness" or "ball" (for example, puffs of smoke). This is how wild green strawberries have been called in Rus' for centuries.

Botanical description

It’s not for nothing that strawberries and wild strawberries are confused:

• Both berries belong to the Rosaceae family.
• Their common Latin name is Fragaria, meaning “fragrant.”
• Officially, both are considered strawberries.
• They ripen on a low growing bush.
• In spring, white or pinkish flowers appear on them from the receptacle.
• The cone-shaped fruits that appear are green, bitter and tasteless. As they ripen, they turn red, gaining sweetness.
• Their top is crowned with a “crown” of leaves and green leaves on the same stalk.
• Small yellowish specks on the surface are seeds. In berries they are located not inside, but outside the fruit.

At the everyday level, the criterion for determining the type of berry is the dimensions: real strawberries are always larger than wild strawberries.

Strawberry fruits weigh 15-21 grams. Weight, dimensions and taste depend on the variety of garden strawberries. Hybrid specimens are two to three times more massive and sweeter. The general flavor range is from sour-sweet to dense sweetness.

Strawberry classic – bright red color. There are burgundy, white, and yellowish berries. Deep red strawberries are considered the most useful.

Geography of growth

The common garden strawberry is the result of cross-pollination of Chilean and Virginia strawberries (Virginia is a US state). The process was helped by an incident: the royal gardener planted bushes in the Louvre garden nearby. This is how dozens of varieties were born. According to another version, the hybrid was obtained by the Dutch, and brought to Europe by the French in the 18th century. A hundred years later, the Russians became acquainted with garden strawberries. In addition to the USA and Chile, it grows in neighboring countries of the American continent. In Europe there is a zone of forest and forest-steppe, from the Baltic states to Kazakhstan plus Siberia. This is the distribution area for wild or summer berries. In greenhouses, strawberries bear fruit anywhere.

What does strawberry cure?

Strawberries are a natural treasure that has a number of beneficial properties. Fruits should definitely be included in the daily menu, because they not only strengthen the immune system, but also help eliminate many diseases. In addition, strawberries improve the condition of the skin, have a beneficial effect on hair, and make curls more voluminous and silky. By consuming strawberries during their active ripening season, you can significantly improve your health and get rid of many diseases of the internal organs:

• Garden strawberries have strong antimicrobial properties. It is considered a source of natural aspirin, so it can be used to eliminate pain of different nature - head, joint, dental, muscle and others.
• Disaccharides enhance the production of glucose, for this reason strawberries should be consumed during diabetes.
• The fruit contains a high content of magnesium and potassium. Their use has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
• The increased level of fiber makes this berry beneficial for the digestive system. This component regulates intestinal motility and relieves constipation.
• Masks have a beneficial effect on the skin. They cleanse it, eliminate various rashes, whiten it, and increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
• The juice gets rid of yellow teeth and makes your breath fresh.

How many calories are in strawberries

100 grams of pulp contains only 40-42 kcal. Therefore, the calorie content of fresh strawberries can be neglected even when on a diet: it is purely symbolic.

Frozen strawberries have even fewer calories - 36 per 100 grams. This is due to the increased amount of water.

Low-calorie content makes strawberries a pleasant basis for an aesthetic (weight loss) diet. Even Hollywood divas use it.

But such a mono-diet (1.5 kg of berries per day for a whole week) is not useful for everyone. A fasting day or taking a portion of strawberries instead of lunch or dinner would be better.

Strawberries: the benefits and harms of delicious berries

For some, strawberries are a storehouse of vitamins and youth, for others they are a provocateur of ailments and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

"Strawberry" benefits

Strawberries are an excellent dessert that many people cannot resist. It is also actively used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It has been proven that the berry is one of the most complete sources of minerals.

It contains many vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc, silicon, phosphorus, copper, etc. It has a diaphoretic and diuretic effect on the body, increases appetite and normalizes the functioning of the digestive system.

This product contains substances that promote the removal of toxins and antioxidants that reverse the aging process.

In folk medicine, strawberries are widely used if it is necessary to quickly stop uterine bleeding, lower blood pressure, increase hemoglobin and cure atherosclerosis. It is also indispensable for vitamin deficiency.

Excellent fight against pneumococcus, intestinal infections, herpes virus and staphylococcus. What is important is that the berry contains a substance that neutralizes the cancerous effects of smoking.

That is why heavy smokers are recommended to eat any strawberry desserts as often as possible.

Strawberry chemical composition

Strawberries are tasty and healthy. Both qualities are due to the range of nutrients contained in it.

The nutritional value

The BJU triad (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) for garden strawberries is as follows (g/per 100 grams of pulp):

• proteins – 0.80-0.82;
• fats – 0.41-0.43;
• carbohydrates – 7.3-7.5.

The exact figure depends on the variety of strawberries and the degree of ripeness.

Vitamins, minerals

Garden strawberries contain the following substances:

• vitamins – A, group B (1, 2, 9), C, E, K, H, PP;
• minerals - potassium, silicon, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus.

But what vitamins do strawberries contain the most? First of all, it is ascorbic acid. It contains almost 67% vitamin C. This is more than citrus fruits. By eating six to seven berries (about 100 g), you can get 70% of the daily adult requirement. In terms of quantity and range of vitamins, garden strawberries are second only to black currants.

The fruits are rich in pectin, natural sugars and acids, and tannins.

Microelements

Boron, iron, manganese, iodine, zinc, fluorine, and copper are present in microdoses in garden strawberries. Each is responsible for its own component of the overall health of the body.

Calorie content

The calorie content of all products directly depends on the content of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in them. Let's look at the energy value of strawberries: they contain carbohydrates - 7.5 percent, fats - about 0.5 percent, dietary fiber - 2.2 percent, and most of them are water (87 percent). About two percent comes from ash, starch and acids. In general, the caloric content of strawberries: from 30 to 40 kcal per 100 g. Since the ratio of substances may vary, then, accordingly, the caloric content will also have different values.

Despite the fact that strawberries, like many berries, are low-calorie, nevertheless, in some diets (for example, low-calorie ones) they are excluded from the diet. This is explained by the fact that the distribution of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is uneven, with carbohydrates accounting for the majority (more than 80 percent), while proteins and fats have a much smaller percentage.

Beneficial properties of strawberries

The natural properties of strawberries are a powerful weapon against a “bouquet” of diseases. From routine types of constipation to serious diabetes and atherosclerosis. Berries are chosen by those who want to look younger and more attractive.

What does strawberry cure?

By consuming berries during the season, you can improve your health, strengthen your immune system, and get rid of some ailments:

1. Garden strawberries are endowed with antimicrobial properties; in fact, they are a source of natural aspirin, therefore they relieve pain of a different nature (headache, periodic pain, joint pain, etc.).
2. Disaccharides stimulate the production of glucose, so the berry is indicated for diabetes.
3. Its saturation with potassium and magnesium makes it useful for normalizing heart function.
4. Soft fiber regulates intestinal motility, prevents or eliminates constipation. Together with pepsin, it cleanses blood vessels.
5. Strawberry masks heal the skin, make it young and radiant.
6. Berry juice removes yellow teeth and freshens breath.

Consumption of fresh strawberry berries heals the body, simultaneously solving human aesthetic problems.

The berry is an easily digestible product (20-25 minutes), saturating the body with energy. But it does not create a feeling of heaviness.

Using strawberries for various diseases

Strawberries not only have excellent taste, but are also used as a medicinal plant. This berry is a real natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. It copes with the flu virus, inflammation of the nasopharynx, and also removes bad breath.

Iodine contained in strawberries compensates for its deficiency in the body. Strawberries are included in the diet of patients with diabetes, because Helps lower blood sugar. For gallstone disease, it is recommended to take 3-5 teaspoons of fresh strawberry juice.

For diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys, in the summer season it is recommended to eat up to 500 g of strawberries per day. A decoction of the roots of the berry also helps with kidney problems.

For anemia, strawberries perfectly replenish the required amount of iron. A decoction of strawberry leaves, as well as the berries themselves, help solve problems with hypertension and atherosclerosis. It is very good to use the strawberry diet for eczema and diathesis.

How to eat strawberries

Garden strawberries are saturated with organic acids that irritate the walls of the stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to eat berries after the main meal, as a pleasant addition. No wonder this is the most popular dessert.

It is believed that strawberries are not mixed with other products - this provokes fermentation in the stomach and flatulence. And it is only compatible with milk.

However, the Internet offers garden strawberry salads for every taste: with chicken, cheese, nuts, and other fruits. It probably has to do with individual perception of the berry.

Benefits of leaves and roots

Strawberries are valued not only for their fruits; the leaves and rhizomes are also useful:

• they contain tannins. A decoction of them helps relieve inflammation of the nasopharynx and eliminate digestive problems;
• tea on garden strawberry leaves acts as a diuretic and expectorant, fights insomnia and high blood pressure;
• an infusion of the leaves helps with diarrhea;
• tea from “tails” saturates the body with folic acid and vitamins, therefore it is indicated for normalizing blood circulation, for osteochondrosis or gout.

It is not recommended to prepare any drinks from the leaves for pregnant women, young mothers during lactation and people with increased stomach secretions.

Strawberries during pregnancy

Garden strawberries are rich in minerals and vitamins, so they are not prohibited for pregnant women. A high content of folic acid contributes to the normal intrauterine development of the fetus. The main thing is not to overuse the berries and pour boiling water over them first. When breastfeeding, strawberries are contraindicated until you consult a doctor.

Can children eat strawberries?

Strawberries can be used as complementary food even for one-year-old children. It should be introduced into the diet in small quantities, making sure that allergies do not appear. Only the first and early fruits should be discarded, as they usually contain pesticides and nitrates.

It is enough for children to give 100-120 g of berries daily during the season. They are beneficial for the child’s body:

• have an antipyretic effect, acting as a natural aspirin;
• they can be left in the diet even with diathesis;
• acids in garden strawberries relieve inflammation and fight viral infections. Therefore, it is used to prevent influenza and ARVI;
• increase appetite in children.

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Benefits for men

Strawberries are very beneficial for the male body:

• a high concentration of zinc allows you to normalize a man’s hormonal levels;
• suitable for the prevention of adenoma, impotence, prostatitis;
• high concentration of vitamin C strengthens the immune system. It is especially useful for smokers, it protects the body from the penetration of viruses.

Strawberries are a well-known and delicious natural aphrodisiac.

The use of strawberries in cosmetology

Garden strawberries are one of the top beauty ingredients. Its extracts are found in skin care products from major cosmetic brands. This is the main ingredient in home cosmetic procedures:

• A mask made from strawberry pulp tightens pores, cleanses the skin, and makes it more elastic. The skin is saturated with vitamins, becoming fresh and velvety.
• You can mix the pulp with honey - the skin will be moisturized and visually more uniform.
• Adding white clay to strawberry pulp helps smooth out fine wrinkles and soften rough skin.
• Strawberry juice is a traditional bleach: it “dissolves” freckles and fine pigmentation.

Nutrients and their benefits

Strawberries have a rich composition, which includes various minerals and trace elements. They have a beneficial effect on all internal organs, improve their functioning, increase immunity and strengthen the body.

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It is worth highlighting the main nutrients found in fruits:

• Iron. Source of hemoglobin. This component protects against anemia and prevents the appearance of anemia.
• Bor. It is considered an essential component of blood cells, muscle and bone tissue.
• Iodine. Normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Copper. Has a strong disinfecting effect.
• Fluorine. Increases the strength of tooth enamel and prevents its destruction.

Strawberries contain organic acids. These components dissolve kidney stones.

Harm and contraindications of strawberries

The berry has contraindications:

1. Allergy. Personal intolerance is manifested by red skin rashes that cause itching.
2. Gastritis, colitis, ulcers, other problems of the stomach and intestines.
3. Intolerance to pharmaceutical aspirin.

For a healthy person, strawberries can be harmful only if they are unripe, full of nitrates or poorly washed. Or consumed in kilograms at a time.

What makes garden strawberries an allergen is the pollen of other plants, which clings to the seeds on the surface. To neutralize it, pour boiling water over the berries in a colander or sieve before use. The procedure will not affect the taste and usefulness.

Application in medicine

The abundance of microelements and vitamins, organic and inorganic acids in this berry, of course, gives it enormous value from a medicinal point of view. Traditional and folk medicine have long known about the wide healing effects of strawberries:

• Diabetics can lower blood sugar by eating berries.
• Strawberries have antipyretic properties due to the salicylic acid it contains.
• Boosts immunity
• Has antimicrobial properties
• Normalizes intestinal microflora, cleanses the body of toxins and wastes
• Helps with colds and flu
• Improves thyroid function

In addition to the above, strawberries help cope with liver diseases, rheumatism and anemia.

Contraindications

Since the berry has a strong red color, it cannot exactly be called hypoallergenic. Strawberries tend to accumulate pollen, which may cause redness, sneezing, or increased itching when consumed.

It is also important to remember about the presence of organic acids, which are completely undesirable for people with gastritis or stomach ulcers. In addition, due to its diuretic properties, the berry should not be consumed by people with kidney diseases.

What are the health benefits of strawberries?

Such an abundant saturation of the product with nutrients determines its undeniable benefits for human health. To determine why strawberries specifically are useful, it is best to look at their positive effects on certain categories of people.

Children

It is recommended that children begin to get acquainted with this product no earlier than one year of age. After taking tiny test portions of the product, you should monitor the baby’s body’s reaction to taking the berry. If you have allergic reactions in the form of skin itching, swelling, rash, it is better to wait another year to use it.

If everything is normal, then the child can be given strawberry fruits in small portions exclusively fresh and during the strawberry season, since outside the traditional picking period they may contain various chemical berry growth and ripening stimulants that are harmful to children. But the inclusion of high-quality fruits with their soft fiber and a lot of useful substances in the child’s menu significantly strengthens the baby’s immune system and stimulates the normal development of the child’s body.

Adults

• The rich vitamin and mineral composition of strawberry fruits allows you to significantly strengthen the immune system of an adult and make positive adjustments to his poor health through:
• improving metabolic processes;
• cleansing the body of poisons and toxins;
• optimizing the activity of the cardiovascular system by improving the elastic properties of blood vessels;
• activation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• eliminating constipation;
• getting rid of symptoms of anemia;
• mild reduction of high blood pressure;
• positive effects on the organs of vision;
• activation of choleretic functions;
• inhibition of the aging process of the body;
• optimization of liver activity.

In addition, strawberry fruits help solve purely female problems associated with the monthly cycle and during pregnancy, which will be discussed below, as well as have a positive effect on the male body, helping to fight adenoma, prostatitis, and impotence.

Pregnant

Since doctors strongly recommend that pregnant women take folic acid, which in the first months of pregnancy has a positive effect on the formation of the nervous system of the unborn child, strawberries, which contain this substance in a noticeable amount, come in very handy.

Important! Considering quite serious allergens, strawberries need to be checked for allergic reactions in pregnant women, who are especially sensitive to such reactions. In addition, it is necessary to limit the consumption of berries in the 3rd trimester to 100 g per day.

Besides:

• soft fiber of the fruit, removing poisons and waste from the body, normalizes intestinal motility and eliminates constipation;
• the gentle diuretic effect of strawberries activates the removal of excess fluid from the body, eliminates swelling and optimizes the activity of the genitourinary system;
• the solid vitamin and mineral composition of the fruit saturates the expectant mother’s body with useful substances, strengthening her immune system;
• the presence of magnesium, potassium and fluorine in the product has a calming effect on the nervous system and normalizes hormonal levels.

When losing weight

For those who want to get rid of excess fat deposits, the answer to the question of how many carbohydrates a product contains is of great importance when choosing a diet. The presence of only 7.5 g of carbohydrates in 100 g of strawberries makes it popular for weight loss. The low calorie content of the product under discussion, together with its high nutrient content, creates extremely favorable opportunities for people suffering from excess weight. Experts believe that with the help of strawberry fruits you can quickly get rid of excess fat and cellulite, losing 3 extra kilos in 4 days.

How long can strawberries be stored?

For home storage of strawberry fruits, you should adhere to the following basic rules:

1. It is best to store berries in the refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding +6°C. In this case, strawberry fruits can be well preserved for 5 days if they are regularly sorted during this time, eliminating softened or rotten specimens. At room temperature this period is reduced to 12 hours.
2. Storage containers should be made of glass, plastic or, at worst, enameled metal. Storing strawberries in copper, iron and galvanized containers is prohibited, due to the possibility of the acids contained in the berries reacting with metals, followed by the release of harmful chemicals into the product.
3. Containers with strawberry fruits should not be tightly closed to ensure air exchange. Otherwise, the process of rotting can begin quite quickly.
4. In addition, strawberry fruits can be stored in the freezer at temperatures below 0°C. When frozen, they can be stored for up to 1 year if they are not subjected to early defrosting during this period. And if you mash the berries and sprinkle them with sugar in a ratio of 1:1.5, then in the refrigerator at a temperature no higher than +6°C they will be stored in a closed container for 1 year. Under the same conditions, berries sprinkled with sugar in a 1:1 ratio are stored for 3 months.

Important! The need for proper storage of strawberries is caused by the danger of serious poisoning that can be caused by rotten fruits.

The queen of berries, which is not a berry, the strawberry, which is not a strawberry, but being actually a strawberry, despite all these misunderstandings, is one of the most popular representatives of garden products around the world. The unique gastronomic qualities of strawberries, combined with its extraordinary beneficial properties, make it a desirable product on the table of almost every person, with very rare exceptions.

Strawberry storage

Strawberries should be stored in the refrigerator. To prevent it from losing its juiciness, you must first place it unwashed in an open container. Before storage, sort through the berries, removing all damaged ones with visible signs of spoilage and rot.

It can be stored fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

For long-term storage and consumption throughout the winter, it can be frozen. Before freezing, the berries are washed and dried.

Next, to prevent the berries from freezing, you can freeze them by placing each berry on a tray, and when they freeze, pour them into a container with a lid or a plastic bag.

Frozen strawberries retain all their beneficial properties and can be used to prepare desserts, use for cosmetic purposes, or simply eat with sour cream or sour cream.