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We all love to eat strawberries. When it comes to pleasing our taste buds with fruits, those small red and delicious berries never disappoint us. But did you know that the magical fruit can do miracles for your skin too? Fresh ripe strawberries are chock-full of nutrients, which makes the skin clearer, brighter, and healthier. So, here is everything that you need to know about strawberries along with 10 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. Originated 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, which make them a very healthy choice for us. You can consume strawberries raw and whole like many other fruits or add them to the preparation of 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 interesting thing about these tiny delights is that ancient Egyptians used them for treating acne and several other skin issues due to their great 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, they are also full of nutrients that offer wonderful benefits. A cup of fresh strawberries has very 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 both 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 almost no fat and only 49 calories. (1)
Health Benefits of Strawberries
So, why does your body love strawberries? How do they actually benefit your health? Here is a brief explanation:
1. Healthy Cardiovascular System
Anthocyanins present in strawberries not only contribute to their beautiful red color but also protect our heart from the damage. They, along with antioxidants, protect the lining of the circulatory system and prevent plaque build-ups in the blood vessels, thereby 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, is capable of lowering the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in our bloodstream. (4)
3. Regulated Blood Sugar Levels
Dietary fibers and ellagic acid in strawberries regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose digestion after a starchy meal. They also have a low glycemic index (only 40), which prevents sharp spikes in both glucose and insulin, especially in people with type-2 diabetes. (5) (6)
4. Reduced Inflammation
Strawberries come packed with vitamin C, which averts inflammation in the body and keeps a number of 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 in preventing the oxidative damage of the brain cells, thus enhancing the overall health of the brain. They also delay memory decline in elders and stops the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain to steer clear of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. (10)
8. Faster Weight Loss
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries may also help you lose excess body 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
When it comes to 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 the period of pregnancy (12).
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Skin Benefits of Strawberries
As mentioned before, strawberries have wonderful benefits for our skin too. Check them out below:
1. Brighter Skin
Being loaded with powerful antioxidants and, strawberries work as a natural photoprotective agent. They shield the skin from the damaging UV rays, thereby boosting its radiance from inside and brightening up the dull complexion naturally.
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 in keeping 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 clearer. (14) (15)
5. Blemish-Free Skin
Ellagic acid and salicylic acid in strawberries are highly effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, acne marks, dark or black spots, and other blemishes.
6. Ultra-Hydrated Skin
Super high water content in strawberries helps in hydrating 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 in decreasing the puffiness under eyes while their exfoliating properties heal dark circles. The fruit rejuvenates and brightens up your under-eye area by taking signs of aging away from it.
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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 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. Just reduce 2 to 3 strawberries to pulp and mix 4 to 5 drops of rose water with it. Spread it onto your skin and wait until 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 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to 2 tablespoons of mashed strawberry and apply it to your skin at least thrice a week. You will get rid of tan and pigmentation easily.
4. Strawberry and Honey
Ward off pesky acne and pimples by using a strawberry and honey face pack regularly. All you need to do is blend a few crushed strawberries and 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey together 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 2 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 a squeaky clean skin with this highly effective strawberry face pack. Just crush 4 to 5 strawberries and combine 2 tablespoons of rice flour with it. Blend them together in a blender and apply them to your face.
7. Strawberry, Fresh Milk, and Fresh Cream
Reduce 4 ripe strawberries to pulp and add 2 tablespoons of fresh milk and 1 tablespoon of fresh cream to it. 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. Just take 2 tablespoons of mashed strawberries, 1 tablespoon of organic honey, and 1 tablespoon of fresh cream in a bowl and mix well. Use the mixture at least twice a week.
9. Strawberry, Cocoa Powder, and Honey
Mash 2 to 3 fresh ripe strawberries. Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of raw honey to it. Blend to form a thick 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 2 tablespoons of pureed strawberry, 1 tablespoon of pure honey, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice together. By using this mixture regularly, you can tighten up your skin pores and get a youthful look easily.
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 strawberry may also cause adverse effects in certain cases. You should avoid 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?
Alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs in strawberries eliminate dead cells from the surface of the skin, thereby revealing the layer of 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 not only helps in flushing toxins out of the cells but also hydrates them intensely. As a result, we get a clearer, plumper, and healthier skin.
How Many Strawberries Should I Eat a Day?
Eating a handful of fresh, raw strawberries every day is known to be good for our health as well as skin.
Is It Okay to Eat Strawberry at Night?
Being a low-calorie food, strawberries can be consumed as 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 in Relation to 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
