SUPER NUTRITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES

The strawberry is also known as ‘the queen of fruits’ in Asian countries because it’s packed with a whole lot of health benefits. These juicy heart-shaped delights have much more to offer beyond sweetness and flavour. I consider them a power food.

Strawberry is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. There are more than 10 species of that differ in flavour, size and texture yet they all have the same characteristic heart-shaped, red flesh and seeded coat together with small, regal, leafy green caps and stems that adorn their crowns.

Did you know…

…Strawberries are not actually fruits as their seeds are on the outside. Strawberry plants are runners and are not produced by seeds. They have an average of 200 seeds per fruit and are actually a member of the rose (Rosaceae) family.

There are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavour, size and texture.
Strawberry designs are carved in medieval stone masons as the sign of perfection and righteousness. These designs are often carved on altars or around the top pillars in cathedrals and churches.
The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love because it’s often heart-shaped and has a rich, red colour.

Some Super Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. It helps burn stored fat

The red colouring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins.

2. Boost short term memory

The anthocyanins boost short-term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks according to The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber

It is sweet but also very low in calorie, which makes it a healthy fruit, one cup contains only 54 calories.

4. Ease Inflammation

Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP.

5. Lower cardiovascular disease

Flavonoids which are responsible for the beautiful red colour and flavour of strawberries helps in reducing the risk for heart diseases, can you beat that?

6. Promote bone health

Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for strong and healthy bones.

7. Prevent oesophageal cancer

Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

8. Anti-aging properties

Did you know that strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails? They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibres in our skin to prevent sagging and ageing.

9. Good for weight loss

The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.

10. Promote eye health

Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss this was released from the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Some Tips to Have In Mind When Buying Strawberries

Buy ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES! If I cannot find or afford organic strawberries I eat another fruit instead.

Do not buy inorganic strawberries. Nearly 60 different pesticides have been found on strawberries.

Here are what to look for once you have found organic strawberries.

For full nutrition and flavour, buy fresh strawberries. They need to be firm, plump, have a deep red colour, and have green caps and with a light fragrance.

Small strawberries are sweeter and more flavorful. Eat your strawberries as soon as possible.

If buying strawberries in a pack, check the package to make sure that there are no signs of mold. Even if there is one molded strawberry do not buy them. Research has shown that molds are linked to health problems and even cancer. Fruits and vegetables with high moisture content can be contaminated below the surface.

How to Store Strawberries

It’s best to consume strawberries as soon as you harvest or purchase them. Keeping them in the refrigerator will not improve their quality.

They should be kept at a room temperature for a few hours. Anthocyanin, which is responsible for the red colour of strawberries, is heat sensitive. This is the reason strawberries brown in warm temperatures.

Unwashed strawberries should be stored loosely, cover with plastic wrap and should be placed on the coldest part of your refrigerator for about two days maximum as they lose nutrients quickly.

Only wash strawberries when ready to consume as they easily perish. To wash strawberries, place them in a colander and rinse them under running cold water. Do not soak them for they will lose their colour and flavour. Do not remove their caps until after you have washed the berries

If you want frozen strawberries; wash them gently, let them dry and remove the caps. Place them on a cookie sheet and freeze. Place them in a ziplock bag once frozen. Make sure to suck out all the air and seal. You may keep them in your freezer up to six months.

How to Enjoy Strawberries?

As if you need to be told!

It’s very easy, simply wash and eat them. Yum! or put them in fruit salads.

Do you love strawberries? I hope you enjoyed this post? have you tasted this delicious fruit before?
I would love to hear your view on this topic, kindly use the comment box.

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Have a fabulous week lovelies.

Lots of love

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114 Comments

Brenda's Couch

September 7, 2016 at 12:27 am

In as much as i love fruits, i have never tasted strawberry in its raw form except in mixtures like ice cream and i don't know why honestly. I actually hope this beautiful article encourages me to get some as soon as possible.