About Strawberries
Strawberry is a juicy and tasty fruit that is completely irresistible. Along with being juicy and awesome in taste, it smells immensely good.
Strawberries are packed with essential nutrients that can gift wonder to health and beauty.
A cup of strawberries contains 32 calories and 2 grams of fiber, and 91 % of water(1). They also contain protein, vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and polyphenol that play a major role in battling cancer and improving health.
Skin Benefits Of Strawberries
Reduces UV Damage To The Skin
Strawberries contain several antioxidants including ellagic acid and anthocyanin.
Ellagic acid reduces skin damage from UV rays of the sun and inhibits the enzyme that contributes to collagen breakdown. Collagen breakdown leads to wrinkle formation. Ellagic acid also diminishes inflammatory responses. It can be topically applied to the skin.
Anthocyanin gives a red color to strawberries and is an effective scavenger of free radicals that increase, on being exposed to UV light. Free radicals are associated with collagen and elastin breakdown in the skin.
This is how strawberries help in reducing skin damage caused by UV rays.
Reduces Acne
Being high in vitamin C, strawberries can help reduce inflammation associated with acne.
Vitamin C is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Strawberries also contain sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) that is known to brighten skin. Studies show the promising result of SAP on acne(2).
A few evidence shows low antioxidant levels in the blood are associated with higher levels of acne(3). Increasing the antioxidant levels through diet can help inhibit acne.
Cleanse and Tones Skin And Improves Complexion
Alpha hydroxy acids present in strawberries, help in eliminating dead skin cells, and cleanse the skin.
It also contains salicylic acid that reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Salicylic acid is present in many skincare products to remove dead skin cells and tighten pores. This keeps out dirt and bacteria that could further lead to breakouts.
Vitamin C present in strawberries keeps the skin healthy and vibrant. It also acts as a toner to soothe irritated skin.
Softens and Smoothens The Feet
Strawberries, glycerine, and ground oats can be mixed to form a scrub that can help remove the dead skin cells from the feet.
Soak the feet in warm water and apply this scrub mixture on the skin. Oats remove the dead skin cells and nutrients in strawberries treat cracks and blemishes on the feet.
After removing the mixture, apply a moisturizer, and wear cotton socks to keep the moisture locked.
Keeps Nails Healthy
Biotin is a main component of nails.
A cup of strawberries provides 1.6 mcg of biotin. Strawberries also contain vitamin C and folic acid that keep the nails shiny, strong, and long.
Treats Puffy Eyes
Those who wake up with dark circles and puffy eyes, strawberries can be a good and healthy solution for them.
The astringent properties of strawberries can be a natural way to treat the puffiness around the eye and reduce inflammation.
Slice a strawberry into two pieces and apply it to the eyelids. Relax for 15 minutes. Remove the slices and wash the face with cold water. You would surely see an amazing result.
Strawberry For Skin: Is Topical Application of Strawberry Or Eating Strawberry Better for Skin?
Strawberry can be beneficial both by eating and by applying.
Eating strawberries means you are consuming all the healthy vitamins and minerals that can help keep away the oxidative stress and inflammation.
Applying it topically helps counteract the effects of aging. A study found anti-aging benefits on using vitamin C serum containing strawberry during micro-needling treatment (4). It was found that it improved the hydration and elasticity of the skin.
How To Use Strawberry For Skin Benefits?
Here are a few ways in which you can benefit from strawberries
Strawberry Face Masks
Mash a few strawberries and mix them with yogurt or honey. You can also mix cream or milk. Apply this mask on the face and keep it for a few minutes. Make sure you wash away the mask thoroughly.
Strawberry Juice
Take a few strawberries and juice them up. Add a little sugar and some lemon juice to it.
Drink this glass of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber and reap the benefits.
Strawberry Scrub
Mash a few strawberries and add some sugar to it. You can also add a bit of coconut oil or olive oil to make it a little smoother.
Use this mixture to scrub the skin and get rid of dead cells. You would surely feel extra smooth skin after it.
Other Benefits Of Strawberries
Apart from keeping the skin healthy and young, strawberries have a lot to offer to human health.
- Prevents certain types of cancers
- Decreases the risk of developing heart diseases
- Prevents type 2 diabetes
These benefits can be obtained by eating this delicious, juicy fruit. Try finding out ways to add strawberries to the diet and use strawberry-infused products for skincare, as now you know how much beneficial this fruit.
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