Strawberries are a type of hybrid fruit species of the genus Fragaria. Here’s a little-known fact about strawberries: They are not actually berries at all. Technically, the strawberry is an aggregate fruit, meaning it forms from a flower that has many ovaries. Each apparent “seed” that can be seen on the outside of the fruit is actually one of the ovaries of the flower and has a strawberry seed inside of it.

Rich in Antioxidants

Although there are relatively little strawberry calories in one cup of fresh berries, there are lots of antioxidants and vitamins in strawberry nutrition. According to strawberry nutrition studies, strawberries are a high source of various antioxidants, including anthocyanins like pelargonidin, ellagic acid and other ellagitannins, procyanidins, uteolin, gallic acid, flavonols, polyphenols, tannins, quercetin and many others. Research shows they are one of the best sources of numerous anthocyanins and phenolic antioxidants.

Strawberry seeds and “flesh” both house these special compounds, in addition to two other principal micronutrients (vitamins) that act as antioxidants in the body: vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid).

What do strawberries do to the body?

Their antioxidants are one of the body’s first lines of defense, reducing free radical damage that leads to inflammation and chronic disease development. Antioxidants “donate” electrons to unstable free radicals that are missing electrons. This means that free radicals do not go looking to take electrons from nearby healthy cells, which will then be destroyed.

Antioxidants slow the occurrence of oxidative stress from taking place, which is responsible for the aging process and formation of most diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and neurological disorders.

Research shows that one of the most important health benefits of strawberries and blueberries is the ability to fight against cancer. That’s why they are two of the best cancer fighting foods around. Individual compounds in strawberries have demonstrated anticancer activity in several different experimental systems. Research shows that strawberry benefits include the ability to block initiation of cancer cell formation (called carcinogenesis) and suppressing progression and proliferation of cancerous tumors.

In controlled studies, results showed that when participants were given strawberry extract containing anthocyanin antioxidants, human liver cancer cells were significantly inhibited compared to the group that did not receive the extract. Berry consumption is also associated with a lower risk for breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.

Defends Against Heart Disease

When it comes to heart health, what happens if you eat strawberries every day? Strawberry antioxidants fight the oxidation process, which is crucial because oxidative damage has been linked to an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke or other forms of coronary heart disease. Strawberry antioxidants help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting “bad” LDL-cholesterol oxidation, limiting lipid oxidation and plaque buildup in arteries, improving blood vessel function and blood pressure, and decreasing the tendency for dangerous blood clots forming inside blood vessels (called thrombosis).

One study found that among adults with hyperlipidemia, strawberry supplementation reduced oxidative damage to LDL while maintaining reductions in blood lipids and enhancing diet palatability. Furthermore, strawberry extracts have been shown to decrease the inflammatory response within the body, which is one of the major causes of heart disease.

If you’re on a low carb diet with the goal of weight loss, here are some strawberry advantages and disadvantages to consider: Strawberries may contain carbs and sugar, but they are lower in both than many other fruits. Researchers have also found that for people following a diet intended at preventing or reversing heart disease, adding strawberries and other high-fiber fruits has an additional benefit of making the diet more appealing, palatable and sustainable long term.

Protects Skin from Damage

Internal and external influences over time alter the condition and appearance of skin as we age. As a consequence of a poor diet, sun exposure and environmental toxins, the skin undergoes photoaging, inflammation, and may show signs of immune dysfunction, acne and other skin disorders. Luckily, nutrition researchers are developing new insights into the relationship between nutrient-rich food intake and skin health. Studies show that certain plant foods prove to be very beneficial for optimal skin conditions, including foods high in antioxidants like strawberries.

Some of the best foods for skin health include strawberries and other berries. Berries contain antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C, which are associated with improving skin properties, including hydration, sebum production, lower levels of wrinkles and discoloration, a reduced risk for skin cancer, and improved elasticity.

High levels of vitamin C, one of the biggest benefits of  strawberry nutrition, has additional benefits related to promoting collagen synthesis, photo-protection from ultraviolet light, lightening hyperpigmentation and improving a variety of inflammatory rashes that can appear on the skin too.

Benefits Brain Health and Prevents Neurodegenerative Diseases

Want yet another benefit of strawberry nutrition? Studies indicate that diets rich in strawberries and other berries may have the potential to protect against aging in the brain. Berries are high in flavonoids, especially anthocyanidins, which are known to improve cognition in experimental studies.

In a study published in Annals of Neurology, when researchers evaluated whether long-term intake of berries and flavonoids was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline in older adults, the results showed a positive correlation between higher berry consumption and a slowed rate of oxidation damage in the brain. For this reason, health professionals recommend that the general population include berries in their diets as often as possible for their ability to defend against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, loss of memory, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

High in Fiber and Aids in Detoxification

Strawberries help detoxify the body by helping restore the health of the digestive tract, promoting digestive regularity and providing anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Vitamin A and vitamin C are necessary for any ongoing detoxification efforts by your body, in addition to both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Vital antioxidants are especially needed during the body’s detox process in order to neutralize and eliminate toxins that induce excessive free radical damage, inflammation and digestive disorders.

High fiber foods like strawberries can help keep the digestive system in good health by preventing constipation, balancing the pH level of the gut and reducing inflammation in the gut, which can result in leaky gut syndrome and other digestive conditions. Due to being a high-fiber fruit, they also have a relatively low score on the glycemic index.

High in Manganese

One cup of strawberries provides an impressive 28 percent of the daily recommended allowance of manganese. Manganese is needed for proper nervous system and brain health and may help prevent neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy according to studies. The rich supply of manganese is one of the best strawberry benefits for men, since this mineral is needed for the formation of strong bones and connective tissues, healthy blood-clotting, and production of reproductive sex hormones.

Supports Healthy Pregnancy

Strawberries are a good source of folate, a type of B vitamin that helps tissues grow, cells to properly function and is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Consuming or taking the right amount of folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects, including spina bifida. It also helps prevent anemia.