Grow your nutritional knowledge in this insightful article. We specialize in the wonderful world of strawberries. We’ll explore everything from strawberry nutrition and its countless health benefits, to potential drawbacks and even some fun facts about strawberries.

Strawberry Nutritional Profile

Strawberries, with their bright red color and juicy sweetness, bring a wealth of nutritional benefits to our plate. They’re more than just a delicious fruit, they’re a treasure trove of essential nutrients. The nutrition information is provided by the USDA.

One cup of strawberries, approximately 144 grams, offers:

• Calories: 46.1
• Water: 131 grams
• Protein: 0.965 grams
• Fat: 0.432 grams
• Carbohydrates: 11.1 grams
• Fiber: 2.88 grams
• Sugar: 7.04 grams
• Sodium: 1.44 mg
• Potassium: 220 mg
• Calcium: 23 mg
• Vitamin A: 1.44 mcg
• Vitamin C: 84.7 mg

Strawberries are especially rich in vitamin C, manganese, folate (vitamin B9), and potassium. These nutrients play an integral role in our overall health and wellbeing.

One cup of strawberries, which weighs approximately 144 grams, is primarily composed of water 92% and carbohydrates 7.7%.

One cup of strawberries provides about 0.965 grams of protein, which is 0.7% of the recommended daily intake. Also, it provides about 2.88 grams of fiber, which is 10% of the recommended daily intake. And, it provides about 84.7 mg of vitamin C, which is 94% of the recommended daily intake.

Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, ellagic acid and quercetin. These compounds combat oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to the fruit’s numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits

Now let’s dive deeper into the health benefits that the nutritional profile of strawberries offers.

Immune Health

Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that aids in boosting immune health. Consuming strawberries can help your body resist infections and diseases.

Heart Health

The antioxidants in strawberries, such as anthocyanins, can help reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The fiber and fructose present in strawberries can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and reducing the need for insulin following meals.

Skin Health

The high Vitamin C content in strawberries promotes collagen production, which can help maintain skin’s elasticity and resilience.

Digestive Health

Strawberries are a good source of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.

Potential Risks

Allergies

Strawberries are a common food allergen, especially among children. Symptoms can range from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).

High in FODMAPs

Strawberries are high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols), which can cause digestive issues in some people, especially those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Pesticide Residue

Strawberries often top the lists of fruits with high pesticide residues. Whenever possible, choose organic strawberries or thoroughly wash them before eating.

Dental Health

While strawberries are not high in sugar, their acid content can erode tooth enamel if consumed in large quantities over time. It’s best to rinse your mouth with water after eating strawberries to mitigate this effect.

Fun Facts

Strawberries are Not True Berries

Surprisingly, strawberries are not technically berries. In botanical terms, a berry has its seeds on the inside. However, strawberries have their seeds on the outside.

Strawberries and Their Love Connection

In Ancient Rome, strawberries were regarded as a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love, because of their heart shape and red color. Today, they are still considered a romantic fruit, often served in desserts for special occasions and Valentine’s Day.

Strawberries Have Medicinal History

Historically, strawberries were used for medicinal purposes. The Romans used them to alleviate symptoms of various ailments, including melancholy, fainting, inflammation, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones and more.

World’s Largest Strawberry Producer

Do you know which country produces the most strawberries? It’s the USA, with California producing more than any other state. In fact, California alone accounts for approximately 88% of strawberry crops grown in the USA.

First Garden Strawberry

The first garden strawberry was grown in France during the late 18th century. Prior to this, wild strawberries were the only source of this delightful fruit.

White Strawberries Exist

There’s a type of strawberry called the Pineberry that is white and tastes like a pineapple.