This is what makes strawberries red (and good for you!)

This is what makes strawberries red (and good for you!)

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of certain diseases. The redder the berry, the more antioxidants it has.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Published: October 23, 2023 at 5:00 am

Substances called anthocyanins give strawberries their luscious red colour. The same water-soluble pigments also tinge some autumn leaves red. 

Studies have identified more than 25 different anthocyanins in strawberries, with levels changing depending on the variety. The main one is pelargonidin-3-glucoside, which gives a bright red colour, followed by cyanidin-3-glucoside. Exposing strawberries to UV light after they’ve been picked, increases the anthocyanin levels. 

Lab tests have shown anthocyanins to be powerful antioxidants with health-boosting effects, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and anti-cancer properties. It’s hard to assess exactly how active the substances are in humans, following digestion, however. Some studies have shown that wild strawberries have higher antioxidant activity than commercial varieties. 

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