We all love to eat strawberries. When it comes to pleasing our taste buds with fruits, those tiny red and delicious berries never disappoint us. But did you know the magical fruit can also do miracles for your skin? Fresh, ripe strawberries are chock-full of nutrients, which makes the skin clearer, brighter, and healthier. So, here is everything you need to know about strawberries and ten simple and yummy strawberry face packs to give your skin a perfect fruity treat. Keep reading.
What are Strawberries?
Strawberries or Fragaria ananassa are bright red-colored berries with loads of juice and a sweet taste. Originating in Europe (France) in the 18th century, the fruit is known to be the most popular berry in the world. They are very high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds, making them a healthy choice for us. You can consume raw and whole strawberries like many other fruits or add them to prepare jams, jellies, desserts, ice creams, etc. Adding them to different recipes and using their extracts as preservatives are also practiced a lot. However, the most exciting thing about these tiny delights is that ancient Egyptians used them for treating acne and several other skin issues due to their excellent medicinal properties.
Strawberries, which we consume these days, are basically a hybrid of two wild strawberry species obtained from North America and Chile.
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Nutrition Profile of Strawberries
While fresh strawberries are mostly made of water but are also full of nutrients that offer excellent benefits, a cup of fresh strawberries has significantly fewer carbohydrates (7.7%) and proteins (0.7%) along with an abundance of vitamins (B6, B9, or folate, C, E, and K) and minerals (manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus). The carbohydrate content of strawberries includes soluble and insoluble dietary fibers (26%). In addition, the berries come loaded with potent antioxidants (ellagitannins, ellagic acid, procyanidins, etc.) and almost 25 different types of anthocyanin (mostly pelargonidin). However, strawberries contain virtually no fat and only 49 calories. (1)
Health Benefits of Strawberries
So, why does your body love strawberries? How do they benefit your health? Here is a brief explanation:
1. Healthy Cardiovascular System
Anthocyanins present in strawberries contribute to their beautiful red color and protect our hearts from damage. They, along with antioxidants, protect the lining of the circulatory system and prevent plaque build-ups in the blood vessels, opening them up and stabilizing blood pressure levels (2). Potassium in the berries also has a strong positive impact on blood pressure (3).
2. Lowered Cholesterol Levels
Pectin, a soluble dietary fiber found in strawberries, can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in our bloodstream. (4)
3. Regulated Blood Sugar Levels
Strawberries, rich in dietary fibers and ellagic acid, regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose digestion after consuming a starchy meal. With a low glycemic index of only 40, strawberries help prevent abrupt spikes in glucose and insulin, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with type-2 diabetes. (5) (6)
4. Reduced Inflammation
Strawberries come packed with vitamin C, which averts inflammation in the body and keeps several ailments, like arthritis, gout, etc, away by easing their symptoms successfully (7).
5. Protection from Cancer
The anti-cancer properties of ellagic acid help strawberries fight against several types of cancer by destroying carcinogens and stopping the growth of cancer cells. They are also a great source of vitamin C and dietary fibers, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation to protect from cancer (8).
6. Stronger Immune System
Studies have found that high levels of vitamin C in strawberries may increase the concentration of immune-boosting antibodies called ‘immunoglobulin’ in the body, thereby improving its ability to combat infections (9).
7. Better Brain Health
Plenty of antioxidants in strawberries help prevent oxidative damage to the brain cells, thus enhancing the brain’s overall health. They also delay memory decline in elders and stop the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain to steer clear of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. (10)
8. Faster Weight Loss
Strawberries’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may also help you lose excess weight. They restore the volume and functionalities of the weight-reducing hormone adiponectin, which promotes metabolism, suppresses hunger, and induces fat burn. (11)
9. Healthy Pregnancy
Regarding pregnancy, strawberries are known to be a great choice because of their high folate content. A cup of fresh, raw strawberries delivers almost 10% of our recommended daily intake (RDI), which keeps all neural tube defects at bay during pregnancy (12).
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Skin Benefits of Strawberries
As mentioned before, strawberries have tremendous benefits for our skin, too. Check them out below:
1. Brighter Skin
Strawberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants and work as a natural photoprotective agent. They shield the skin from damaging UV rays, boosting its radiance from the inside and naturally brightening up the dull complexion.
2. Delayed Aging
Strawberries comprise alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs, which ward off as well as reverse signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, etc. Ellagic acid in them also helps keep the skin healthy and youthful by reducing collagen loss and toning it up. (13)
3. Less Oily Skin
Strawberry is an acidic fruit that controls the oversecretion of sebaceous glands in the skin. This removes excess oils from the skin and keeps it fresh.
4. Lesser Acne
As the fruit makes the skin oil-free, the chances of developing acne and breakouts are also reduced to a large extent. It also contains salicylic acid, which fights acne by sloughing off dead cells, unclogging pores, and making the skin more transparent. (14) (15)
5. Blemish-Free Skin
In strawberries, ellagic and salicylic acids are highly effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, acne marks, dark or black spots, and other blemishes.
6. Ultra-Hydrated Skin
The super high water content in strawberries helps to hydrate the skin deeply. It makes even the driest skin incredibly soft while making its texture smooth and supple.
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7. Minimized Dark Circles
The astringent properties of strawberries help decrease the puffiness under the eyes while their exfoliating properties heal dark circles. The fruit rejuvenates and brightens your under-eye area by taking signs of aging away.
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10 Homemade Strawberry Face Packs for Instant Glow
Now, here are some yummy strawberry face packs that can be prepared at home easily for getting clear and glowing skin:
1. Mashed Strawberry
Mash 4 to 5 fresh ripe strawberries. Apply the smooth,h fine paste all over your face. Once it gets dried, wash it off with plain cold water to discover a bright and rejuvenated skin.
2. Strawberry and Rose Water
Treat your dull and sunburnt face with this simple strawberry pack. Reduce 2 to 3 strawberries to pulp and mix 4 to 5 drops of rose water. Spread it onto your skin and wait until it dries. Rinse away after 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Strawberry and Lime Juice
Want to get a blemish-free, clear skin? Prepare a face pack by adding one tablespoon of fresh lime juice to 2 tablespoons of mashed strawberry and apply it to your skin thrice a week. You will get rid of tan and pigmentation quickly.
4. Strawberry and Honey
Regularly use a strawberry and honey face pack to prevent pesky acne and pimples. All you need to do is blend a few crushed strawberries and a tablespoon of raw organic honey and leave it on your face for 15 minutes.
5. Strawberry and Yogurt
Take 2 to 3 fresh ripe strawberries and puree them nicely. Add two tablespoons of yogurt to it and mix well. Spread the mixture onto your skin evenly and wash after half an hour with lukewarm water. It will make your skin soft, supple, and glowing.
6. Strawberry and Rice Flour
Get squeaky clean skin with this highly effective strawberry face pack. Just crush 4 to 5 strawberries and combine two tablespoons of rice flout. Blend them in a blender and apply them to your face.
7. Strawberry, Fresh Milk, and Fresh Cream
Reduce four ripe strawberries to pulp and add tablespoons of fresh milk and one tablespoon of fresh cream. Blend very well. Massage your face with the mixture and rinse off after 30 minutes to reveal a gleaming skin.
8. Strawberry, Honey, and Fresh Cream
Dry-skinned beauties can also revive their face with a strawberry pack. Mix two tablespoons of mashed strawberries, one tablespoon of organic honey, and a tablespoon of fresh cream in a bowl. Use the mixture at least twice a week.
9. Strawberry, Cocoa Powder, and Honey
Mash 2 to 3 fresh ripe strawberries. Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder and one tablespoon of raw honey. Blend to form a thick,k smooth paste. Spread it all over your skin and wait for the next 15 minutes. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water. Your skin will look amazingly soft and radiant.
10. Strawberry, Honey, Egg White, and Lemon Juice
Prepare a skin-tightening pack by mixing two tablespoons of pureed strawberry, one tablespoon of pure honey, one egg white, and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Regularly using this mixture lets you tighten up your skin pores and get a youthful look.
Strawberry seeds are widely used in commercial exfoliators while the seed oil is known to be a staple ingredient in cleansers. Strawberry powder, highly concentrated strawberry extracts, etc. are also used in facial creams, packs, and masks.
Side Effects of Strawberries
When applied topically, strawberries usually cause no side effects. However, if you are allergic to the fruit, you may develop rashes, hives, headaches, swelling, contact dermatitis, or even breathing difficulties. So, it is always advised that you do a patch test before using it in your face packs. Consumption of strawberries may also cause adverse effects in some instances. It would be best if you avoided its intake when pregnant, breastfeeding, or having bleeding disorders.
Summary:
Strawberries or Fragaria ananassa are bright red-colored juicy berries with a sweet taste. They are very high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds, which make them a very healthy choice for us. It can keep our heart healthy, lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, protect from cancers, strengthen immunity, improve brain health, promote weight loss, and support pregnancy. You can consume strawberries raw and whole or add them to the preparation of jams, jellies, desserts, ice creams, etc. Ancient Egyptians used them for treating acne and several other skin issues due to their great medicinal properties. The fruit makes skin brighter, delays aging, removes excess oil, prevents acne and breakouts, drives away blemishes, minimizes dark circles, and hydrates the skin intensely. Using strawberry face packs containing all-natural skin-friendly ingredients can add an instant glow to your skin while making it clearer and healthier over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Strawberry Lighten the Skin?
In strawberries, alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, eliminate dead cells from the skin’s surface, revealing the fresh cells underneath. This makes the skin look lighter and brighter.
Is Strawberry Water Good for Your Skin?
Strawberry water is excellent for our skin as it helps flush toxins out of the cells and hydrates them intensely. As a result, we get more apparent, plumper, and healthier skin.
How Many Strawberries Should I Eat a Day?
Eating a handful of fresh, raw strawberries daily is good for our health and skin.
Is It Okay to Eat Strawberries at Night?
As a low-calorie food, strawberries can be a great late-night snack.
Do Strawberries Help Hair Grow?
Being rich in potent antioxidants and essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals), strawberries also stimulate the healthy growth of our hair.
References:
- “Strawberries, Raw“, FDC.nal.usda.gov
- “Anthocyanins in Cardiovascular Disease,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “The Importance of Potassium in Managing Hypertension,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “The effect of strawberries in a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Long-Term Effects of Low Glycemic Index/Load vs. High Glycemic Index/Load Diets on Parameters of Obesity and Obesity-Associated Risks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Berries Modify the Postprandial Plasma Glucose Response to Sucrose in Healthy Subjects,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Best Fruits for Arthritis“, Arthritis.org
- “Inhibition of Cellular Transformation by Berry Extracts,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Vitamin C and Immune Function,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Dietary Intakes of Berries and Flavonoids about Cognitive Decline,” OnlineLibrary.wiley.com
- “Effects of Dietary Strawberry Supplementation on Antioxidant Biomarkers in Obese Adults with Above Optimal Serum Lipids,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Folate Content in Different Strawberry Genotypes and Folate Status in Healthy Subjects after Strawberry Consumption,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Strawberry Consumption Improves Aging-Associated Impairments, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, and Functionality Through the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Cascade,” “NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Salicylic Acid As a Peeling Agent: A Comprehensive Review,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
- “Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review,” NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
