Secret Side Effects of Eating Strawberries, Say Dietitians

By Joann Chang July 19, 2022 3 mins read 109 Views

Strawberries are a fruit, which means they boast numerous health benefits, but have you ever stopped to think about what actually happens to your body when you sip on a strawberry smoothie or toss some fresh strawberries on your morning yogurt?

Not surprisingly, these vibrant red berries can do anything from improving your blood pressure to supporting good eye health, but for some, they might lead to an upset stomach. Read on to learn more about the side effects—both good and bad—associated with eating strawberries, and for more on how to eat healthy, don't miss The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science.

Your skin may glow.

"Five large strawberries contain nearly 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C is necessary to make collagen, which helps to keep skin soft and supple," explain The Nutrition Twins—Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT—members of the Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board. "Strawberries' vitamin C, as well as their polyphenols (antioxidants), help to fight off free radical damage and inflammation, helping skin to look more radiant and youthful and helping to calm acne flare-ups for a more radiant complexion."

Your blood pressure may go down.

sliced strawberries

"Strawberries are a good source of potassium which can help to lower blood pressure by counteracting the negative effects of sodium. Strawberries also contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins, which have been found to help reduce blood pressure," Tammy and Lyssie note.

"If you can eat just a cup of strawberries each week, research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that you can lower your risk of high blood pressure. Added bonus: You can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure."

You may reduce your risk of cancer.

ripe strawberries

"Strawberries are packed with antioxidants that can prevent free radicals from causing cell damage that can lead to cancer. Ellagic acid, one of the powerful antioxidants in strawberries, has been shown to suppress cancer cell growth," The Nutrition Twins share.

"Strawberries are also higher than any fruit or vegetable in fisetin, a flavonoid that has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties and that may stop the growth of cancer."

Read more: The #1 Best Supplement to Reduce Inflammation, Say Dietitians

You'll support your eye health.

bowl strawberries

Believe it or not, strawberries can keep your eyes in tip-top shape as you age. "Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which helps to protect against age-related eye disease and keeps the blood vessels and tissues around your eyes healthy." The Nutrition Twins explain. "The phytonutrients and folate in strawberries help to fight against cataracts."

You may lose weight.

strawberries cutting board

According to Lyssie and Tammy, strawberries may help you slim down, especially if you snack on them in favor of candy or cookies. "With three grams of fiber and only 50 calories in a cup of strawberries, you'll be filling up a fiber-rich, low-calorie naturally sweet treat. Not only will the fiber help to stabilize blood sugar and control cravings, but you'll also likely crowd out other snacks and desserts that are a lot higher in calories, fat and sugar and lower in fiber and that contribute to weight gain," the pair says.

Your stomach may get upset.

strawberries white bowl

"If you're not used to eating fibrous foods and you eat a large quantity of strawberries, you may experience heartburn, diarrhea, reflux, or bloating, just as some people experience after eating too much of any fruit," The Nutrition Twins explain.