Don't Worry With Strawberries!
The Heart-Shaped Fruit Good For You
Growing up, I remember going to the strawberry patch during the summer months. My brother and I had the responsibility of preparing and washing the strawberries. Some summers, we had to wash and clean the summer fruit in the bathtub because we picked so many!
I remember sprinkling granulate sugar over the bright-colored, heart-shaped fruit prior to my brother and I portioning them into freezer-friendly Ziploc bags. My family wasn't big on baking creative food dishes with strawberries. For my family, strawberry picking was equivalent to having crab or lobster. Picking our food from local farmland gave us a sense of self-sufficiency knowing to grow and eating off the land is possible.
Replenish your body with strawberries!
Known as Fragaria ananassa is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae. The medium-sized and plump fruit originated in Central America and Europe in the 18th century. In ancient Rome, strawberries were a food staple. In Provincial France, strawberries were considered an aphrodisiac. There are three types of strawberries: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral.
Today, strawberries are grown in North America and Chile.
Load up on the antioxidants.
Antioxidants are essential for overall health and immunity. Vitamins and minerals reduce the risks of ailments and strengthen the body. Daily consumption of antioxidants helps cell development, reduces oxidative stress, and improves eyes, hair, skin, and nails.
Strawberries are one of the top twenty fruits containing high antioxidant capacity. The vibrant red color of the summer fruit plays the role of the main antioxidant. Pelargonidin, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, procyanidins, and anthocyanins are the most abundant antioxidants in strawberries. The antioxidant properties increase as the fruit grows.
A 2019 study found anthocyanins are connected to lowering cardiovascular ailments, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
Studies discovered diets rich in [berries, such as] strawberries can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Eating strawberries can help reduce inflammation.
Potassium and manganese help reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. According to the CDC, foods rich in potassium can help reduce the risks of the deadly disease.
Eight strawberries have more Vitamin C than an orange!
Strawberries are high in many phenolic antioxidants and polyphenols. As antioxidants, polyphenols are protective plant compounds improving your well-being.
A Harvard University study proved diets high in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, can lower the risks of cognitive loss in older people.
Other studies published in Clinical Interventions In Aging proved foods high in Vitamin C, such as strawberries, can supply eyes with antioxidant protection and prevent eye dryness.
A fruit for everyone!
Strawberries have a high water content, which makes them a viable source for hydration. The glycemic index, known as GI, is low, about 40.
Strawberries are low-calorie, cholesterol and sodium-free.
A study by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research proved consuming strawberries can improve glycemic control among people with diabetes.
Another study recommended diets with low glycemic index foods can help with weight management.
Strawberries have about 26% of the daily value of fiber.
Dietary fibers nourish the friendly gut bacteria to better digestive health. Fibers help the passing of stools through the intestinal tract. Bowel movements help reduce constipation.
I've learned many ways strawberries play roles in developing my recipes. Whether I enjoy the traditional way of incorporating them into breakfast or a dessert, strawberries are versatile to use. Add strawberries to your lettuce or fruit salad, cakes, pies, and tarts.
One of my favorite strawberry-infused teas is Stella Bistro Foods Steamy Eyed Tea in Strawberry Kiwi. The tart, yet sweet notes of strawberries compliments the exotic fruit swimming in the well-thought tea blend.
What are your thoughts on strawberries?
What's your favorite fruit?
Let's chat below!
About the Creator
Ashley Terrell
Bestselling author. Entrepreneur. Seasonings and spices saved my life. Where sheep and angels share the same color. Newport News, VA. Conqueror and lover of all things Fine Arts.
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