Strawberries can help prevent and treat inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
What are the anti-inflammatory compounds in strawberries?
Strawberries contain several phytochemicals, or plant compounds, that have anti-inflammatory properties. These include anthocyanins, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pectin. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give strawberries their red color.
They have been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks, regulate blood sugar, and protect against oxidative stress. Quercetin is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries, by preventing inflammation and oxidative damage.
Ellagic acid is a polyphenol that has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. It can inhibit the growth of tumor cells and modulate inflammatory pathways. Pectin is a type of fiber that can lower cholesterol levels, improve gut health, and modulate immune responses.