Victoria Berry: description, benefit and harm
One of the reasons why people are so waiting for summer is the harvest of sweet juicy strawberries, which grows in almost all garden plots. Especially popular grade in our country is the royal "Victoria".This magnificent natural dessert can be a valuable ingredient in many sweet dishes, and can be used in its original form. Moreover, not everyone thinks about the benefits that garden strawberries bring to the human body. This article focuses on the positive effects of Victoria on health, as well as the possible dangers of its use.
Special features
A distinctive feature of this variety is the size of fruits, rather large for strawberries. Victoria appeared when two other varieties were crossed, whose ancient names had already sunk into obscurity. The first of them - wild strawberries, which were brought from North America to the UK in the XVII century. Another variety was brought 100 years later from Chile by English sailors.
Whether these species are crossed by scientists, or pollination occurred naturally between them, history is silent. In any case, a variety was born, named according to rumors in honor of the Queen of England. Victoria, like its ancestors, began to spread throughout Europe, then into the Russian royal garden. Today, the variety is available not only to monarchs, it is grown on every second plot. In some regions of the country, the name "Victoria" is even used as a synonym for the word "strawberry", as this variety is common.
In addition to the large size of the berries, the distinctive feature of "Victoria" is ease of growing. This is one of the main reasons why this variety is so popular. It is also very resistant to many diseases, both fungal and viral.
"Victoria" gives the harvest only once per season. However, subject to the rules of agricultural technology, this crop can be quite large. One small bush can bring a whole kilogram of berries.
With the appearance of this variety, many of us have known since childhood. Berries - large, bright red with small seeds. The flesh is pinkish and very tender. The shape of the fruit resembles an inverted trapezoid. The maximum mass of a berry is 12 grams.
Among other advantages, the variety’s ability to tolerate abrupt weather changes (changes in temperature and humidity), as well as the density of berries, making them easy to transport, can be noted. This fact, coupled with an attractive appearance makes "Victoria" a popular commodity in many grocery stores.
So do not be upset if you do not have your own plot for growing strawberries. You can buy these ripe berries at any time of the year.
Composition
Before proceeding to the story about the benefits of this type of strawberry for human health, it is necessary to clarify which components provide this benefit. The composition of the biological substances "Victoria" is not constant. It depends on a variety of conditions in which the culture has grown. One of the most important factors is the level of sunlight. The more strawberries it received during development, the more useful it is.
For example, weather conditions affect the level of sugars, including:
- fructose;
- glucose;
- sucrose.
The amount of acids of organic origin may vary:
- oxalic;
- salicylic;
- amber;
- apple;
Salicylic acid is sometimes called natural aspirin. This substance can reduce fever, reverse inflammation and relieve painful cramps. Malic acid is an important substance for metabolic processes in the body. It is necessary for the complete absorption of iron and the full synthesis of vitamins. It also regulates the level of acids and alkalis.
Do not forget about the most important trace elements that are contained not only in the fruits, but also in the leaves of strawberries. It:
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- potassium;
- iron;
- iodine;
- manganese;
- copper.
Manganese provides an update of the body, that is, is responsible for cell division. Iron is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin in the blood and the synthesis of other important substances. Copper affects the formation of red blood cells. Of course, Victoria is also rich in various vitamins, namely: A, C, E, P, H (biotin), B.
Beneficial features
"Victoria" boasts an impressive list of useful properties. The first of them - help with losing weight. Strawberries often become a mandatory part of the diet during the diet. First, it is low in calories. 100 grams of fresh strawberries contain only 30 calories. The BZHU level at the same time makes:
- proteins - 0.6 grams;
- fats - 0.4 grams;
- carbohydrates - 7 grams.
Secondly, strawberries contain anthocyanins. They are plant antioxidants that affect weight loss. Thirdly, the berry is rich in fiber, which ensures proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is especially important for people who want to lose weight.
Also, strawberry helps to cope with inflammatory processes in the body. About the nutrients and vitamins that are needed for this, it was written above. The use of "Victoria" at the beginning of the disease will have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect. According to doctors, to reduce the risk of viral diseases, it is enough to eat 15-20 berries a week.
Victoria is useful for people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. Those who are not familiar with this ailment should eat strawberries for prevention. Substances included in its composition, strengthen blood vessels, remove cholesterol from the blood and reduce blood pressure.
Vitamin H affects the synthesis of vitamins PP, B5, B12 and C. In addition, it is necessary for the release of energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as for the regulation of nervous processes.
As mentioned above, “Victoria” contains magnesium and potassium. They help strengthen bones, nails and hair. Those who regularly use strawberries should not be afraid of frequent fractures.
Vitamin P has antihistamine, diuretic, antispasmodic properties. It can also prevent the development of esophageal cancer, as it has an antitumor effect. For these purposes, strawberries are used in a special way (in dried, ground form). On the Internet there are many recipes for such preparation of fruits.
Also, some scholars argue that regular use of strawberries improves memory. Anthocyanins, which are also responsible for burning fat, help in this. It is recommended to introduce the berry into the diet of the elderly for the prevention of diseases that adversely affect the brain.
"Victoria" is useful for women. Amazing but berries of this grade have a rejuvenating effect. First, a large amount of manganese ensures regular renewal of the body. Secondly, this variety is characterized by an increased amount of ellagic acid, which strengthens skin cells, slowing down the formation of wrinkles. Thirdly, the presence of vitamin B7 directly affects the beauty of the hair.
"Victoria" is able to benefit not only when consumed inside. Berry is often used in cosmetology. Often make homemade face masks. For example, a mixture of strawberry puree, egg yolk and starch is perfect for dry skin. Also, cosmetologists recommend to have in the freezer pieces of ice from strawberry juice. They can wipe the face to nourish the skin, eliminate wrinkles and freckles, as well as give a fresh look.
Doctors advise to use strawberries to improve vision for all categories of the population. Vitamin C, which restores the cornea of the eye, retards retinal aging and prevents the development of diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts, plays a major role in this.
Possible harm
Despite the impressive list of benefits, Victoria, like any other product, has some contraindications. Fortunately, there are not so many of them.
First of all, the berry is contraindicated for people with allergies. It is also not recommended to use strawberries with drugs against hypertension, otherwise the load on the kidneys will increase markedly. From strawberries should be abandoned to people who have digestive problems.Fruits contain too many acids that can cause irritation in ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Gynecologists advise to reduce the use of strawberries during pregnancy, and it is better to abandon it altogether. Otherwise, this may adversely affect not only the state of the mother, but also the health of the child.
On how to grow strawberries, see the next video.