Health Benefits of Strawberry Leaves
Blood sugar regulation: Strawberry leaves have an effect of balancing out excess sugar in the blood after consuming a diet rich in carbohydrates. This is the reason some experts recommend you take strawberry leaves side by side with a carbohydrate meal such as rice or pasta. This effect has been associated with polyphenols present in strawberry leaves. These polyphenols act as anti-oxidants and yet influence carbohydrate metabolism. This singular function of strawberry leaves can be helpful in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Anti-oxidant function: The anti-oxidant effects of strawberries are more pronounced in freshly plucked fruit leaves. Anti-oxidants are chemicals that neutralize the effect of free radicals. Free radicals are generated from our external and internal environments and have been implicated in risks of rapid aging, cancer, and some other problems. Strawberries and their leaves are well-stocked with anti-oxidants to fight off this menace.
Cardiovascular health: One of the well-known health benefits of strawberries is the boosting of cardiovascular health. Anthocyanins present in strawberries are vital to decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood pressure. The strawberry leaves are highly recommended for a healthy cardiovascular system too. Scientists suspect it may work in lowering blood pressure levels significantly due to its vasodilator effect.
Ointment purposes: Strawberry leaves have been found effective in alleviating pains associated with Burns and insect bites. This was found in a study, after crushing the leaves of a species of strawberries. Applying this as an ointment on to skin burns, insect bites, abscesses or boils might relieve the symptoms.
Anti-microbial activity: According to a 2014 article in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, strawberry leaves may contain numerous compounds that play vital roles in fighting microbial organisms and pathogens. [4]
