Author
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Perkins Veazie, Penelope |
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Submitted to: North American Strawberry Growers Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2005 Publication Date: 7/1/2005 Citation: Perkins Veazie, P.M. 2005. Health benefits of strawberries. The Strawberry Grower. p. 14-15. Interpretive Summary: Strawberries contain several nutrients, minerals, and non-nutritive chemicals that are important for human health. A search of available medical and nutritional literature shows that strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of dietary fiber. In addition, strawberries contain a plant pigment, anthocyanin, which has been used for studies in preventing initiation of cancers. Strawberries contain a unique phenolic group, ellagotannins, which are effective in preventing initiation of esophageal cancer. Thus, strawberries have several healthful properties that may be useful in creating new marketing opportunities. Technical Abstract: Strawberries contain several nutrients, minerals, and non-nutritive chemicals that are important for human health. A compilation of available medical and nutritional literature shows that strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, and a good source of dietary fiber. Strawberries have been used in several types of animal and human health studies over the last 10 years, including cancer, heart disease, anti-inflammatory, and aging processes. These studies show that the anthocyanins and other phenolics present in strawberries have healthful properties. These include ellagotannins, which are effective in preventing initiation of esophageal cancer, and flavonoids, which prevent inflammation and platelet aggregation, and help confer strength to capillaries in the human body. These medical studies indicate that strawberries have several healthful properties that may be useful in creating new marketing opportunities. |
