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Nowadays, everyone is talking about numerous benefits and therapeutic effects of antioxidants. Many of us are trying to add to our daily diet as many natural foods rich in antioxidants (green tea, chocolate, blueberries, black berries, raisins, kale, spinach, broccoli and so on) as possible. The main effects of antioxidants are centered around reducing oxidative stress, the imbalance in the cells which is linked to various dangerous diseases (cancer or cardiovascular diseases) and aging. Antioxidants can block the activities of free radicals and this way improve body’s defensive properties to prevent aging, especially premature aging.
According to the findings of the latest study, very high levels of natural antioxidants, polyphenols, found in strawberries, can be used as a very powerful tool to combat oxidative stress, substantially lower the effects of aging and decreasing risks of such diseases as cancer, hearth disease and diabetes. A group of Italian and Spanish specialists joined their efforts in studying the powers of strawberries, which have been already known as a very potent herbal remedy. 
In particular, studies have shown the effectiveness of consuming freeze-dried strawberries for esophagus cancer prevention. There are other numerous health benefits of strawberries along with oxidative stress prevention.
The trials involved the work with 12 participants who were asked to consume 6-7 strawberries every day for 2 weeks, which totaled about a half kilo of strawberries per person during the experiment. The scientists were monitoring the participants’ blood and taking samples every four days within a month. It became apparent that a regular consumption of these berries is strictly linked to increased levels of natural antioxidants and natural phenolic compounds in blood, that leads to relieving antioxidant stress, slowing down aging processes and protecting us from the above dangerous diseases. It is also reported that eating strawberries every day is connected with increased red blood cells production.
“The important thing is that strawberries should form a part of people’s healthy and balanced diet, as one of their five daily portions of fruit and vegetables. We are now analysing the variations caused by eating smaller quantities of strawberries – average consumption tends to be a 150g or 200g bowl per day,” Dr Maurizio Battino, a specialist from Marche Polytechnic University, comments. His colleague from the University of Granada, Dr Jose Luis Quiles, says: “Various strawberry varieties are also being analysed in the laboratory, since they each contain antioxidants in differing amounts and proportions“. You can read more about the results of this research in the latest issue of journal Chemistry.
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
July 1st, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Herbal Remedies have been around since the beginning of time, people are realizing it’s the best medicine, with no harmful side effects.
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:04 am
I have also heard a lot about strawberries being very beneficial in pregnancy, does anyone have more information on this ??