How Many Strawberries Should You Eat a Day?

Medically Reviewed on 5/20/2022
How many strawberries should you eat in a day?
Strawberries are called the “Queen of Fruits” because they contain the most nutrients when compared to other fruits.

It is advised that people consume about eight strawberries each day. However, according to experts, you can consume roughly four normal-sized strawberries each day and up to six if they are extremely small, at each meal.

You can eat 200 grams of fruit every day, but you must always consume a wider range of fruits. Based on this, you may add three or four strawberries to your fruit bowl.

  • Research has found that following this advice can have several significant benefits, including potentially enhanced heart and brain health, a lower risk of some malignancies, and better type II diabetes controls.
  • About eight strawberries offer adequate vitamin C to your regular diet. They are minimal in sugar and calories (only 50 calories and eight grams of sugar in each one-cup serving).

Nutritional content of strawberries

This delicious heart-shaped fruit offers much more than just sweetness and flavor. Strawberries are called the “Queen of Fruits” because they contain the most nutrients when compared to other fruits.

A cup of big strawberries comprises approximately:

Table. The nutritional content of strawberries (one cup)
Nutrient Amount
Carbohydrates 11.5 g
Dietary fiber 3 g
Sugar 7.34 g
Sodium 1 mg
Fat 0.3 g
Calcium 16 mg
Vitamin C 58.8 mg
Potassium 153 mg
Phosphorus 24 mg

6 health benefits of strawberries

Studies have shown that consuming two and a half servings of strawberries each day (approximately 32 grams) lowers blood insulin levels and resistance. It was proven that eating this nutritious fruit daily helps decrease cholesterol levels. The anthocyanins found in this fruit improve short-term memory.

  1. A good substitute for junk food
    • Strawberries can be eaten fresh or frozen in smoothies, as part of strawberry shortcake for dessert, over cereal with skim milk or yogurt, and so on.
    • It is simple to substitute them for unhealthy foods that may not promote weight reduction.
    • They are perfectly sweet enough to manage your sweet tooth.
  2. High in fiber
    • One cup of strawberries has three grams of dietary fiber.
    • Strawberries' fiber content aids in cholesterol reduction and blood sugar regulation.
    • It helps you feel full, making it a crucial element of a diet plan that restricts calories and promotes weight reduction.
    • Fiber is necessary for digestion. You must have a healthy digestive system if you wish to reduce weight.
  3. Has ellagic acid
    • Ellagic acid protects cells in the body from free radical damage. It prevents inflammation and restores the normal functioning of weight-loss hormones, which are frequently inhibited by chronic inflammation.
    • Ellagic acid has been shown to improve the body's natural detoxification mechanisms and help prevent cancer.
    • Ellagic acid keeps the skin from drooping.
  4. High in anthocyanins and antioxidants
    • Antioxidants are essential for weight reduction because they assist the body to reduce damage from free radicals. Inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), arthritis, and heart disease can be caused by free radicals.
    • Anthocyanins prevent cell damage and inflammation that are induced by stress and poor dietary choices. Anthocyanin maintains healthy blood vessels and keeps them operating correctly.
    • Strawberries have vitamin C, which is essential for the formation of collagen. Collagen helps enhance skin suppleness. Because you lose collagen as you age, eating vitamin C-rich foods results in younger-looking skin.
  5. Improved vision
    • High vitamin C content promotes eye health by strengthening blood capillaries in the eye and preventing macular degeneration.
    • Lutein lowers your chances of getting cataracts, glaucoma, and other dangerous age-related eye problems.
  6. Heart health
    • Fresh strawberries can help decrease your blood pressure, which can help you avoid heart attacks and strokes.
    • Strawberries have been found in studies to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the body.
    • This high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratio is frequently connected to LDL cholesterol oxidation, which causes heart disease.
    • Potassium in strawberries is an important blood pressure regulator. It reduces inflammation and high blood pressure, earning it the title of heart-healthy fruit.

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Are there any side effects of eating strawberries daily?

While strawberries are a nutritious complement to any diet, they should be used in moderation. Despite their nutritional benefits, strawberries are often heavy in sugar and contain 8.12 mg of sugar per cup. Strawberries may have pesticide residue. Excessive berries consumption might cause stomach distress, heartburn, diarrhea, reflux, bloating, and allergic responses in some people.

To avoid pesticide-contaminated strawberries, carefully select the types of strawberries you buy.

Strawberry consumption is not advised in specific situations, such as:

  • People suffering from diarrhea
  • People with any type of digestive disorder
  • People with diabetes or irritable colon
  • People with renal insufficiency
  • If you are allergic to strawberries, you need to talk to the doctor before including them in your diet

Except for these, others can consume strawberries daily and reap all the health benefits.

Medically Reviewed on 5/20/2022
References
Image Source: iStock Image

Gabrick A. Nutritional Benefits of the Strawberry. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/nutritional-benefits-of-the-strawberry

Avita Health System. Strawberries: Taste Good & Good for You. https://avitahealth.org/health-library/strawberries-good-for-you/

Life Advice Coach. What are benefits of eating strawberries? https://lifeadvicecoach.org/what-are-benefits-of-eating-strawberries/