Strawberries are known to have a number of properties that can help you lose weight.
To the delight of many, juicy strawberries are starting to appear in marketplaces and on the shelves of stores. We should welcome strawberry season not only because they are delicious but also because they provide the body with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Contain very few calories
Strawberries are made up of 91% water, which is why they contain very few calories, with less than 50 kcal per 150 grams – the equivalent of about 10-12 medium strawberries.
Eaten as a dessert or mixed into breakfast porridge, they are well within the range even of strict calorie-counting diets, and their pleasant sweet taste makes you feel as good as if you were eating a sugary sweet.
Strawberries are packed with soluble fiber, which has been shown to prolong the feeling of fullness, reduce appetite and therefore reduce daily calorie intake. 10-12 pieces can provide 10 percent of the daily recommended fiber intake. Dietary fiber also nourishes beneficial bacteria in the intestines, and a proper balance of the microbiome and gut flora is essential for weight loss.
Sweet and yet low in sugar
Thanks to its fiber content, the sugar in strawberries is absorbed much more slowly, so it does not suddenly spike blood sugar levels, which would lead to binge eating and carbohydrate cravings. It also has a lower sugar content than most fruits, with 12 medium strawberries containing just 7 grams.
An outstanding source of vitamin C
Just five large strawberries can provide 98 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. This vitamin promotes fat oxidation during exercise, so it helps your body burn more fat and calories than without it.
Dietary versatility
Strawberries can be used in a variety of delicious ways, from on their own, in salads, breakfast cereals and yoghurts to protein shakes and smoothies. Not all strawberry preparations are recommended: avoid strawberry syrups, strawberry jam, jellies or sauces as they contain a lot of added sugar.
Strawberries can cause allergic reaction in some people, which can take the form of red patches on the skin or an itchy feeling in the throat. For those who are sensitive to apricots, almonds, plums or apples, strawberries are not recommended either.