The health benefits of strawberries go all the way from reducing your chance of getting cancer to whitening your teeth. While white teeth may not be a health benefit, using strawberries and baking soda is far healthier than harsh chemicals and white teeth make you feel better.

Strawberries are chock full of nutrients. Recent studies on strawberries show that the extracts of strawberries help you fight several types of cancer. These are breast cancer, esophageal cancer and cervical cancer. However, other studies show that the high amount of vitamin C in the strawberries is
instrumental in reducing those cancers plus non-hormone-dependent cancer and stomach cancer.

Strawberries also contain anthocyanins, kaempferol and quercetin. Scientists agree that these flavinoids inhibit colon cancer cells, prostate cancer and cancer of the lung, mouth, tongue and colon that comes from exposure to chemicals. While you might have heard of that acai berries and blueberries are "superfoods," most people don't realize that strawberries rank right up with them as potent antioxidants.

While strawberries are powerful antioxidants, a study comparing different varieties of strawberries with varying amounts of antioxidants and the effect it had on thwarting the growth of human liver cancer cells. The study showed that it didn't matter how much antioxidant was in the fruit, they still worked equally well to fight the growth of the cells. This leads the scientists to believe it's the other compounds in strawberries, the phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, or a combination of the compounds, which make the strawberries an effective cancer fighter.

Strawberries also contain ellagitannin. Studies show a link between ellagitannin and lower rates of cancer. One study compared the eating habits of 1,000 elderly people. The study showed that those that ate the most strawberries had the lowest incidents of cancer. In fact, it was almost three times lower that the group that ate few or no strawberries.

Strawberries are heart healthy too. These succulents red marvels contain vitamin C that not only helps prevent cancer; it also reduces the potential of cardiovascular disease. Higher amounts of vitamin C in the diet help stop inflammation and lowers the risk for angina.



Strawberries contain folate. This is another heart-healthy nutrient. Studies show that people with lower concentrations of folate in their body increase their risk for fatal coronary problems and coronary disease.

The tiny strawberry also contains potassium. Potassium is aids in controlling many of the body's functions. If you have a shortage, which can occur through improper diet, heavy perspiration or the use of diuretics, it can cause hypertension, congestive heart failure, deterioration of the heart or cardiac arrhythmia.

Best of all, strawberries are low in calories. You can add them to any weight loss program without worry. You would turn bright red before you put on weight eating strawberries.

If you're wondering how to whiten teeth with strawberries, that's simple. When you mix 1 crushed strawberry with a ½ teaspoon of baking soda and blend it to a soft mixture, you have a natural tooth whitener. Since the combination produces malic acid, it's not wise to use it frequently, just as you wouldn't use tooth bleach daily but it certain removes discoloration and stains from your teeth. Simply mash the two together and put the mixture on your teeth for five minutes. Rinse and brush them with tooth soap and then floss. The flossing removes any seeds and residue. Your teeth will sparkle.

If you don't have strawberries in your refrigerator, now's the time to go stock up on them. You'll find that you and your family will love the taste and versatility of this heart shaped fruit. All the time you are eating, don't feel guilty. You're not indulging yourself. You're simply enjoying the health benefits of strawberries.
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