Strawberry Advantages And Disadvantages | Benefits, Risks, Pros and Cons of Strawberries

Strawberry Advantages And Disadvantages: Strawberry, is also commonly known as garden strawberry. The first garden strawberry was grown in Brittany, France, in the 18th century. The largest producer of strawberries in the United States is California since they have favorable climate conditions. This fruit is greatly appreciated for its characteristic aroma, bright red color, juicy texture, and sweetness. It is consumed in large quantities, either fresh or used in preparing foods such as jam, juice, pies, ice cream, milkshakes, chocolates, etc. Artificial strawberry flavorings and aromas are also widely used in making products such as candy, soap, lip gloss, perfume, and many more. Most kids will love to eat strawberries because of their juicy and tasty nature. This fruit is highly rich in vitamin C and helps in boosting immunity.

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What is a Strawberry? Advantages and Disadvantages of Strawberry

A strawberry is multiple fruit that consists of many tiny individual fruits embedded in a fleshy receptacle. They are packed with vitamins, fiber, and high levels of antioxidants. It is also a low-calorie fruit. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. The biological details of a strawberry are as follows:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Rosales
  • Family : Rosaceae
  • Genus: Fragaria
  • Species: F.× ananassa
  • Biological name: Fragaria× ananassa

Advantages of Strawberry

  • Nutrition facts: It is an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B9. It consists of 91% of water, 7.7% of carbohydrates, 0.3% of fat, and 0.7% of protein. They have a glycemic index score of 40. Every 100 gram serving of strawberries provides 2 grams of  (soluble and insoluble) fiber. Dietary fibers play a vital role in improving gut health by feeding friendly bacteria.
  • Heart health: Heart disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Observational studies say that people consuming berries are at low risk of heart diseases. Strawberries improve blood antioxidant status, decrease oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, improve vascular function and improve the blood lipid profile.
  • Blood sugar regulation: Non-balance of blood sugar regulation and high-sugar diets are associated with an increase in obesity, which eventually leads to the risk of diabetes 2. So strawberries consumption seems to slow down glucose digestion and spikes in glucose and insulin after a carb-rich meal.
  • Cancer Prevention: Uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells leads to a deadly disease called cancer. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation lead to cancer formation. So consumption of strawberries helps prevent several types of cancer through their ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation.

Disadvantages of Strawberry

  • Allergy: Even Though strawberry is very juicy and tasty, it has a few drawbacks. If you are allergic, it’s better to avoid these red berries that can cause many symptoms. It may cause skin rashes, tingling mouth, cough, itchy throat, congestion, and stomach pains. Sometimes a severe allergy to this fruit might result in a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include tongue swelling, rapid pulse, blocked airway, and dizziness.
  • Pesticide Use: The main disadvantage of strawberry fruit is that it may contain pesticide residue. Every year, the environmental working group generates a list of fruits and vegetables that contains the highest levels of pesticide residue, which is known as the “Dirty Dozen.” In this list, strawberries often rank high up.
  • Low in Calories: An athlete or a person who requires high calories is always at risk of consuming strawberries. Since strawberries are low in calories, such people should avoid their consumption. A whole cup of strawberries contains 49 calories which means it is less than any carbohydrate-based foods. So a person can become tired in no time.
  • Low in protein: Protein is a vital nutrient that our body uses to build and maintain muscles and tissues. So strawberries are one of the fruits which lack protein. One cup of strawberries contains only 1 gram of protein. A person who does a lot of workouts or is gym addicted needs more protein in his body. So such people can’t depend on strawberry consumption.
  • Stomach Bloating: Sometimes both fructose and fiber can be fermented in the large intestine. It may lead to gas and bloating. Because of this nature, one has to avoid strawberries. If someone has persistent digestive issues, they need to follow a low-FODMAP diet.

Strawberry Advantages And Disadvantages

Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of Strawberry

Fights bad cholesterol, acts as an antioxidant, helps in pregnancy, boosts immunity, promotes eye health, cures allergies and asthma, maintains diabetes.High in pesticides- Intake of pesticide food can lead to anxiety, stomach cramps, diarrhea.
Consumption of this fruit leads to lower depression, fights cancer, treats constipation, reduces the risk of stroke, reduces inflammation, reduces blood pressure, aids in burning stored fat, has anti aging properties, Boosts fiber.Low in calories, hence an athlete or a gym person can never rely on strawberries. If required, one should intake more quantity.
Aids in weight management, Promotes Prenatal health.Low in protein and shall not assist more in building muscles and tissues.
It Contains malic acid, which is good natural whitener for teeth enamelSince it is rich in fiber and too much fiber consumption leads to stomach bloating and gas.

FAQ’s on Strawberry Advantages And Disadvantages

Question 1.
What makes every strawberry unique?

Answer:
They are the only fruits that wear their seeds on their outer body. Strawberry is not a true berry like blueberry or grapes because a berry will have its seeds on the inside.

Question 2.
Why are strawberries red in color?

Answer:
Due to the presence of anthocyanins, mainly pelargonidin 3-glucoside, the strawberries are red. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments that are present in plant cells. Hence it is also responsible for the red color of some of the autumn leaves.

Question 3.
Can strawberries be fed to a baby?

Answer:
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world. But due to its allergic nature, some babies may develop some allergic reactions. So experts advise avoiding this fruit until the baby becomes one year old.

Question 4.
Are strawberries acidic?

Answer:
Based on the pH rating, strawberries are acidic. They tend to have a pH of 3 to 3.5. One who is suffering from acid reflux has to avoid its consumption. This fruit must be paired with some alkaline foods to help to neutralize it.

Question 5.
Where was the world’s heaviest strawberry found?

Answer:
Usually, a regular strawberry weighs around 15 to 16 grams. But an Israeli strawberry that weighed 289 grams entered the Guinness world record on Feb 12, 2022, as the world’s heaviest strawberry.

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