The vibrant red strawberries are a favorite fruit of most people. With looks and taste, they have been one of the most demanded fruits. However, what about the green leaves that surround them? Have you ever tried them? If not, then you are missing out on one of the nutrient-rich substances. Yes, you heard right. Although not as sweet as the fruits, strawberry leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help to aid a healthy well-being.
This article will enlighten you with the benefits of these leaves and how these leaves can be incorporated into your diet. So, read more and identify the benefits of the strawberry leaves.
Are Strawberry Leaves Edible?
Although strawberry leaves are often disregarded and wasted, these green leaves are healthy and provide several benefits. They are rich in Vitamin C, strawberry leaves help to improve the immune system similar to the fruits. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties fight free radicals in the body and prevent the formation of tumors. Furthermore, strawberry leaves are also believed to possess diuretic properties, aiding in the enhancement of kidney functions.
Even though the strawberry leaves are not as sweet and juicy as the fruit, they have a subtle, earthy taste. Moreover, fresh as well as dry strawberry leaves can be added to your diet in several ways. Some of the most common ways in which strawberry leaves are used are by brewing in the teas, and adding them into smoothies, puddings, and salads.
Nutritional Value of Strawberry Leaves
As mentioned, strawberry leaves possess several health benefits from the different nutrients in them. Most of the nutrients in them are similar to those in the strawberry fruits. Some of the nutrients in strawberry leaves are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Polyphenolic compounds like tannin
- Ellagic acid
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Fiber
Strawberry Leaves Benefits
Strawberry leaves are often thrown away thinking that they are futile. However, they offer several health benefits similar to the fruits. Studies prove that they are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, enabling them to take part in the healthy maintenance of the body. The major benefits of strawberry leaves are:
- Improve the immune system
Vitamin C is proven to be an important substance that helps to improve immunity. As strawberry leaves are rich in Vitamin C, they help to reduce the actions of the free radicals in the body, leading to increased immunity. So, along with strawberries, adding strawberry leaves to the diet will reduce sick days from your calendar.
- Reduce oxidative stress
According to studies, strawberry leaves have higher amounts of antioxidants than the fruits. Antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds in strawberry leaves act against free radicals causing oxidative stress. So, they help to reduce the oxidative stress experienced by the user.
- Optimize blood sugar levels
The polyphenols in the strawberry leaves are proven to optimize the blood sugar levels. These components increase the rate of carbohydrate digestion. They also improve insulin production, leading to faster sugar breakdown. As a result, strawberry leaves will help to optimize blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Improve heart health
The antioxidants in strawberry leaves help to reduce the oxidative stress in the body. As a result, the nerves will be relaxed improving the blood flow. This reduces the chances of blood clot formation, leading to improved heart health.
- Aid digestion
The fiber content in the strawberry leaves promotes gut health by aiding better digestion. Furthermore, being a natural diuretic they improve the fluid balance by improving the kidney functions. This also leads to the enhancement of digestive functions.
Ways to Incorporate Strawberry Leaves into Your Diet
Fresh or dried, strawberry leaves can be consumed in multiple ways. They can be added to different food items or beverages. The dried strawberry leaves can also be incorporated into your diet. Consuming raw strawberry leaves may not be convenient for many people. So, to overcome this problem, strawberry leaves can be consumed in many ways such as:
- Blend them into your favorite pesto or smoothies
- Add strawberry leaves to your strawberry juice
- They can be used to make sauce and spreads
- Use dried strawberry leaves to brew strawberry tea
- Strawberry leaves can also be used to garnish sweet and savory dishes
Risks and Safety Factors While Eating Strawberry Leaves
Strawberry leaves are safe and do not possess any reports of poisonous side effects. However, like any other substance, these leaves may also cause allergic reactions. Even though the side effects may not be fatal, sensitive people may experience itchiness, nausea, vomiting, soreness in the mouth, and hives. So, if you experience any similar reactions consult a healthcare provider at the earliest.
Conclusion
Although strawberries are one of the favorite items of most people, strawberry leaves are often disregarded. However, when these leaves are thrown away, you are wasting a high nutritional substance that promotes your overall health. These strawberry leaves possess several health benefits, including improving heart health, reducing oxidative stress, enhancing immunity, and aiding better digestion. The rich nutrients and minerals in the strawberry leaves play a major role in fulfilling these benefits. Strawberry leaves contain vitamins like A, C, and K. They also contain antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Fiber is another major component in these strawberry leaves.
However, strawberry leaves are rich in nutrients they may not be as favorite as the fruit due to a lack of sweetness and flavor. So, people may find it difficult to consume them directly. This issue can be resolved by mixing these leaves in various foods and beverages, which are consumed daily. Some of the ways to add strawberry leaves to your diet are by blending them into your smoothies and juices. They can also be used to garnish savory and sweet dishes. Sprinkling chopped strawberry leaves on your salads and puddings can also be considered. Furthermore, dried strawberry leaves can be brewed into tea, making their consumption easier. However, a major factor to consider while taking strawberry leaves is the potential side effects they may cause. Although these leaves are safe, they may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Strawberry leaves are edible and provide several health benefits.
Yes. Strawberry leaves can be boiled. However, do not overbrew your strawberry leaves.
Similar to the fruit, the leaves of strawberries also possess several benefits. One of the major benefits offered by these leaves is healthy skin.
Strawberry leaves usually encounter three major diseases namely, leaf spot, leaf blight, and leaf scorch.
Strawberry leaves help to improve heart health, immune system, and blood sugar levels.
References
Celikel G., Demirsoy L., Demirsoy H. The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) selection in Turkey. Sci. Hortic. 2008;118:115–119. doi: 10.1016/j.scienta.2008.05.028. [CrossRef]
Moustafa N., El-Mallah M., Hamdy H. Protective Effect of Strawberry Leaves Against Nephrotoxicity of Male Rats. Egypt. J. Appl. Sci. 2021;36:121–129. doi: 10.21608/ejas.2021.183778. [Google Scholar]
