Strawberries are a rich source of nutrients, particularly polyphenols such as flavonoids. Evidence suggests that the conditions under which the strawberry is grown can considerably affect the amount of flavonoids contained within the strawberry. As with all plants, increasing the sunlight on the plant increases the amount of flavonoids synthesised and these accumulate in the plant tissues. This occurs because the flavonoids are able to protect the plant from the damaging effects of the sun, and as such the plant increases synthesis rates when exposed to a greater amount of sunlight. For example, in strawberries the main anthocyanin is pelargonidin 3-glucoside. As sunlight levels increase the synthesis rates of pelargonidin 3-glucoside increase significantly. As about 70 % of the total antioxidant capacity of strawberries comes from anthocyanins, sunlight can significantly increase the antioxidant capacity of the strawberry, something that would be conferred to the consumer upon consumption of the fruit.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
