The strawberry ( Fragaria vesca ) grows spontaneously in the woods, at a certain altitude, but is widely cultivated in the vegetable garden and greenhouse; it has a fresh taste and pronounced aroma, especially in the wild species that grows in the woods.

Let's find out about the properties.

Properties and benefits of strawberries for purification

Strawberries, like wild berries in general, contain many important nutrients . They possess a significant amount of a particular acid ( ellagic acid ), which appears to have an effective anticarcinogenic action.

They contain a high percentage of calcium and are equipped with phosphorus, iron, magnesium, sulfur and potassium .

They are among the richest vegetables in vitamin C (100 g of strawberries contain 54 mg, while the same amount of oranges contains 50 mg).

The strawberries, being made up of 90% of water in which the nutrients are dissolved, provide only 27 kcal per 100 g of product and for this reason they are advisable in slimming dietary regimes, as well as for the diet of diabetics, obviously consumed unsweetened.

The root of the strawberry plant can be exploited for its aperitif, depurative and diuretic properties.

The leaves are appreciated as an antidiarrheal, skin astringent, healing and anti-hemorrhagic.

The presence of salicylic acid makes it useful for those suffering from rheumatism.

Its laxative power, due to the presence of achenes (the small granules present on the outer surface, which are the seeds), makes the strawberry a useful food in case of sluggish intestine.

Strawberries are also an ally of beauty : with the fruit pulp you can prepare a face mask with purifying and astringent properties. Apply the flattened pulp on the face and leave for 15 minutes.

Contraindications of strawberries

Attention should be paid to allergy sufferers : in fact, the achenes contained in strawberries can cause hives.

For this reason, allergic subjects should be given ripe, crushed or whipped strawberries.

In any case, the potentially allergenic properties of these types of fruits make strawberries unadvisable to small children, at least up to 12 months. These, in fact, could develop a real allergy to the product.