If you're looking for a low calorie fruit option, look no further than 2/3 cups (133 g) of sliced strawberries. With only 50 calories, strawberries are a great addition to any diet. They're not just low in calories, but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health.
Aside from being low in calories, strawberries are also loaded with fiber. In fact, a single serving can provide up to 3g of fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Strawberries are also rich in essential vitamins, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of strawberries and how you can easily incorporate them into your diet.
Low Calorie Count
As mentioned earlier, strawberries are a low calorie fruit option. 2/3 cups (133 g) of sliced strawberries contain only 50 calories, making them a great choice for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. By incorporating strawberries into your diet, you can easily satisfy your sweet tooth without having to worry about calorie intake. Plus, the fiber in strawberries can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
High in Fiber
As mentioned earlier, strawberries are a great source of fiber. A single serving can provide up to 3g of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. In addition to helping keep you feeling full, fiber has also been linked to a lowered risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. By incorporating more fiber-rich foods, such as strawberries, into your diet, you may be able to lower your risk of these conditions.
Rich in Essential Vitamins
Strawberries are a great source of essential vitamins, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Vitamin C is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect your body from free radicals. Folate, on the other hand, is important for healthy cell growth and development. It's especially important for pregnant women, as it can help prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses. And potassium is important for heart health and can help regulate blood pressure.
Versatile Ingredient
Strawberries are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, added to smoothies for a fruity punch, or used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt. You can also incorporate strawberries into savory dishes, such as in a strawberry and spinach salad or on top of grilled chicken. The possibilities are endless!
Easy to Incorporate
One of the best things about strawberries is how easy they are to incorporate into your diet. Simply slice up a serving of strawberries and add them to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also keep a container of sliced strawberries in the fridge for a quick and easy snack. No matter how you choose to incorporate strawberries into your diet, you can feel good about adding a nutritious ingredient that's low in calories and high in fiber.
Great for Smoothies
If you're a fan of smoothies, adding strawberries can give your drink a fruity punch. You can blend 2/3 cups (133 g) of sliced strawberries with your favorite milk or milk alternative, along with other fruits and vegetables, for a nutritious and delicious smoothie. Strawberries work well with other fruits, such as bananas and blueberries, and are also a great addition to green smoothies that are packed with leafy greens.
Adds Color to Any Dish
Aside from their nutritional benefits, strawberries can also add a pop of color to any dish. Their bright red color makes them a great addition to salads, smoothie bowls, and desserts. By adding strawberries to your meals, you can make them look more visually appealing, which can stimulate your appetite and make you enjoy your food more.
Boosts Immune System
As mentioned earlier, strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin C can help protect your body from infections and illnesses, and can also help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. By incorporating more strawberries and other vitamin C-rich foods into your diet, you can help boost your immune system and stay healthy.
Strawberries are not only low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in essential vitamins, but they may also promote heart health. Studies have shown that eating strawberries may help decrease inflammation and improve heart health markers like cholesterol and blood pressure. By incorporating strawberries into your diet, you can enjoy a sweet and nutritious ingredient that may benefit your heart health in the long run.
Can Aid in Weight Loss
Because strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber, they can be a great addition to any weight loss plan. The fiber in strawberries can help you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods. Incorporating strawberries into your diet can also satisfy your sweet tooth without having to indulge in high calorie desserts. By swapping out high calorie snacks for a serving of strawberries, you can cut calories without sacrificing taste.
Strawberries are not only low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in essential vitamins, but they may also promote heart health.
5 FAQ about 2/3 cups (133 g) Sliced Strawberries (50 calories)
1. Are strawberries a healthy snack?
Yes, strawberries are a healthy snack. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
2. How many strawberries are in 2/3 cup?
It depends on the size of the strawberries, but on average, 2/3 cup of sliced strawberries contains about 10-12 strawberries.
3. What are some benefits of eating strawberries?
Some benefits of eating strawberries include: improving heart health, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, aiding in digestion, and promoting healthy skin.
4. How can I incorporate strawberries into my diet?
There are many delicious ways to incorporate strawberries into your diet, such as adding them to a smoothie, topping your yogurt or oatmeal with them, adding them to a salad or salsa, or simply eating them as a snack.
5. Are there any downsides to eating strawberries?
For most people, there are no downsides to eating strawberries. However, some people may be allergic to strawberries and experience symptoms such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Additionally, since strawberries are high in natural sugars, people with diabetes should be cautious about consuming too many strawberries at once.