Compiled & Medically reviewed by
Dr.Sanjana.V.B. Bhms. Dbrm.Cdn

How do strawberries help to  protect against cancers?

  The strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) originated in Europe in the 18th century and belongs to the family Rosaceae. Strawberries are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and cultivated varieties are widely grown worldwide.

Strawberries are produced commercially both for immediate consumption and for processing as frozen, canned, or preserved berries or as juice. The major commercial variety is Fragaria ananassa.

Fresh strawberries are rich in nutrients and more beneficial compared to the frozen varieties.

 Strawberries are good source of vitamin C and vitamin C is anti-inflammatory  and antioxidant in action. 

They’re an excellent source of vitamin C, folate (vitamin B9) ,manganese and potassium.

Strawberries are good source of antioxidants and phyto-chemicals which can protect your health against many serious non communicable diseases like heart diseases, cancers etc.

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, such as:

Pelargonidin

This is the main anthocyanin in strawberries and  this compound gives strawberries the fascinating bright red color .

Ellagic acid

It is found in high amounts in strawberries, ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant that may have many health benefits.

Ellagitannins

 Ellagitannins are converted to ellagic acid in your gut  as in the case of pomegranate. These are very beneficial to your health. Ellagitannins and ellagic acid comprise a large part of these antioxidants in strawberries.

Procyanidins are antioxidants chiefly found in strawberry flesh and seeds.

One research study shows that consuming strawberries at two-and-a-half servings for four weeks significantly improves insulin resistance, lipid particle profiles, and serum PAI-1 in obese adults with elevated serum LDL-Therefore it can be concluded that it is a very good dietary choice for obese people with diabetes and bad cholesterols.

Diabetes and obesity are major risk factors  for cancers and strawberries are potent enough to reduce insulin resistance and lipid deposition leading to obesity.

Elevated blood sugars build up a state of chronic inflammation which can facilitate the growth of cancer cells in the body. Strawberries significantly improve insulin resistance .

Its anti inflammatory  and antioxidative potential also help reduce the incidence of cancer .

Anti-cancer effects of strawberries 

One research study [4] reveals that strawberry fruits possess both cancer preventive and therapeutic values. Strawberry extracts exhibit a higher level of antioxidant capacity against free radical species including superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen.

Strawberries offer some protection against liver and breast cancers.

Strawberries contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins and flavonoids [5].

The proliferation of HepG(2) human liver cancer cells was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to all strawberry cultivar extracts  ,according to the study [5].

 Indian strawberry fruits induce cytotoxicity by activating intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, through a p53 independent mechanism in breast cancer cells also [4].

How to include strawberries in your diet?

·      Include strawberries in desserts, puddings & juices [with no added sugars]

·       Include low calorie strawberry smoothies twice  a week.

·       You can also sprinkle strawberry slices over salad, cereals like oats, or yogurt to make it more delicious and nutritious.

·       Although fresh strawberries can be chosen as a nutritious food, other strawberry preparations may not be as healthy. For example, strawberry syrups, jams, jellies, and sauces often contain high amounts of added sugar. Canned fruit salads or desserts made with strawberries, such as cakes and cobblers, also typically contain added sugar. Added sugars may lead to obesity and it may also cause chronic health conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

           References

1.    https://www.britannica.com/plant/strawberry

2.    https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Strawberries%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html

3.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8145532/

4.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3468438/

5.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14582991/

6 .https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Anti-cancer-effects-of-strawberries-in-animals-and-humans-a_tbl1_27345706