Strawberry Extract
A strawberry is a short plant in the wild strawberry genus of the rose family. The name is also used for its very common sweet edible "fruit" and for flavors that taste like it. The real fruit of the plant are the tiny "seeds" around the "fruit", which is actually a sweet swelling of the plant's stem around the fruit. The plant grown today is a mix of two other species of wild strawberries and was first grown in the 1750s.
People have eaten different kinds of wild strawberries for thousands of years. Today's bigger strawberry was first made around Brest in Brittany (northwest France) in the 1750s. It was made by joining the Virginia strawberry from eastern North America to the European Hautbois and the Chilean strawberry from western South America.
Benefits of Strawberry Extract
REDUCES UV DAMAGE TO SKIN
Strawberries are rich in a number of antioxidants, including ellagic acid and anthocyanin. Ellagic acid applied topically has been shown to reduce skin damage from the sun’s UV rays by inhibiting certain enzymes that contribute to the collagen breakdown, and by diminishing inflammatory responses. Collagen breakdown is associated with wrinkle formation and other aging qualities in the skin. Anthocyanin, which contributes to strawberries’ red colour when they are ripe, is an effective scavenger of free radicals. Free radicals, which are increased in the skin by UV light exposure, are associated with the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Thus, where the ellagic acid and anthocyanin from the fresh strawberries you eat becomes bioavailable, those fresh strawberries may assist in reducing skin damage from UV rays.
NATURALLY WHITENS TEETH
This may be the most surprising tip about strawberries – the small amount of malic acid in the strawberries can work to whiten your teeth. For a powerful, natural teeth-whitening treatment, try rubbing a sliced strawberry back and forth against your teeth. Let it sink in for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth. You’ll be surprised at how shiny and sparkling your teeth look afterwards! (Alright, tooth enamel is not exactly skin, but as it is an outer layer and this a too neat a benefit to pass up, we are going to count it as a type of skin – call it “tooth skin”).
TREATS PUFFY EYES
If you often wake up to dark circles and puffy eyes in the morning, strawberries may be able to help. Strawberries have astringent properties that can help provide a natural way to treat puffiness in the eye area and reduce inflammation.
All you need to do is to slice a large strawberry in two and apply the slices on your eyelids while lying down. Take this time to relax for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the slices and rinse your face with cold water. Enjoy the amazing results!
IMPROVES COMPLEXION, CLEANSES, AND TONES
Strawberries contain alpha hydroxy acids, which help to eliminate dead skin cells and cleanse the skin. If your complexion is rough and dull, applying strawberries to your skin can have noticeable results.
Strawberries also contain salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid which can help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Salicylic acid is used in many skincare products to remove dead skin cells and tighten the pores to keep out dirt and bacteria that could cause future breakouts. The vitamin C in strawberries can also contribute to keeping skin healthy and vibrant, working as a toner to soothe irritated skin.
There is also some evidence that higher levels of acne are associated with lower blood levels of antioxidants, such as those in strawberries. Although no direct effects have been proved, some speculate that efforts to increase antioxidant levels through dietary means, including through strawberries, other fruits and nuts, could help inhibit acne.
HELPS TO KEEP NAILS HEALTHY
An important nutrient for strong nails is biotin. Strawberries are a source of this nutrient, providing about 1.6 mcg of biotin per cup. The folic acid and vitamin C, important in cell formation, are also present in strawberries can play a role nails growing shiny, strong, and long. Eat more strawberries as part of your diet and these nutrients will naturally have their impact on your hair, skin, and nails. You can munch on them as a low-calorie snack or add them to your smoothies, salads, and desserts.
SOFTENS AND SMOOTHS FEET
Spring and summer will be here before you know it, which means the sandals, heels, and flip-flops will be coming out of the closet.