We will be well rewarded with health benefits whether we eat them fresh, dried, or frozen all year long. Everyone of us knows how good they taste but they are also very nutritious so we should try to enjoy them as often as we can. By the way, I once tried the Korean strawberries when I was visiting the country and really love their juiciness.
It has been recommended that everyone should eat at least five helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, it is most unfortunate that many of us do not eat anywhere near that amount. Wouldn't it be nice if we would add fresh strawberries, or frozen, to our salads, cereals, or smoothies as often as possible; we might consume enough fruit servings daily to help our bodies maintain a healthy immune system. Many of us know that the strawberry has a sweet taste but do we realize the nutritional value of strawberries? Like many of our other fruits, the strawberry has plenty of nutrients and antioxidants to maintain a healthy body. The calories of strawberries are extremely low and are better to eat than pies, cookies, or cupcakes for snacks.
Strawberries contain vitamin C along with significant amounts of phytonutrients and antioxidants that fight free radicals. Some of you are probably wondering what are free radicals? Well, free radicals are elements that may cause damage to our cells, and are believed to influence the formation of many types of cancer. Strawberries have a phytonutrient that is called phenol which is believed to protect the cells and prevent damage to our organs. Strawberries, because they are rich in phenols, help prevent cancer and protect the heart and lower inflammation.
Strawberries are also a great source of Vitamin K and manganese along with riboflavin, potassium, Vitamin B5 and 6, folic acid, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, anVd copper and iodine. They are a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin B1, biotin and pantothenic acid.
Our eyes benefit from carrots but also from strawberries. Eating three or more helpings of fruit daily has been linked to decreasing the risk of macular degeneration which is usually related to aging. This particular vision problem is considered to be the top cause of sight loss. Some of us with busy schedules think that having three servings a day of fruit is too much. Strawberries are so adaptable they will compliment a salad, mix with cereal, blend in smoothies and become a topping for yogurt. We do not always have to eat strawberries; we can eat any type of fruit we want.
Some of the other health benefits include protection against rheumatoid arthritis. Foods that are high in vitamin-C may protect us from degenerative arthritis, including polyarthritis. Polyarthritis is a type of rheumatoid arthritis. But some studies say that too much vitamin C is not good for us. There is one that says osteoarthritis may even get worse with a high level of vitamin C.
Notes:
Phenol - A phytonutrient that is believed to protect cells and prevent organ system damage.
