THE PERFECT FRUIT FOR EVERY SEASON
Welcome back to the blog, everyone. As we head into summer, we’re all filled with anticipation of upcoming good times with friends and family, wonderful warm weather, sweet summer nights, and fabulous food!
Food has a terrific way of setting a mood, evoking fond memories, and enhancing every day. And few culinary delights do this like the simple strawberry, one of nature’s perfect foods. It’s a summer staple and a familiar friend that makes every family dinner, picnic, and seasonal that much more delicious and memorable.
This luscious juicy fruit is one of the most popular in the world, it’s beautiful to look at, it has a wonderful aroma, and it tastes great in just about any recipe. But, did you know the strawberry also is one of the most nutritious foods we can eat?
The health benefits in one ripe berry are abundant and here are 6 of the best.
HEALTHY HEART
Strawberries contain flavonoids, phytonutrients and phenolic agents which are very effective in reducing cholesterol and help improve the function of our blood vessels. The potassium found in the strawberry also helps prevent stroke and heart attack – all of which make this fruit a favorite of heart-health-conscious patients and doctors alike.
CANCER PROTECTION
Strawberries are loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce cellular inflammation. This combination of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants can help prevent many forms of cancer. And when we add the strawberry’s high concentration of vitamin C, flavonoids and kaempferol we have a helpful defense against cancer that’s not only effective but delicious as well.
STRONG BONES
The manganese in strawberries is an essential nutrient for protecting our bones. It helps build bones while maintaining proper bone structure. And the potassium, vitamin K and magnesium found in this sweet berry keep our bones strong and resilient to fractures.
WEIGHT LOSS
Strawberries contain over 13% of our RDA of dietary fiber and only 43 calories in every cup. Plus, the ellagic acid and anthocyanins in the berries slow our digestive process and make us feel full. All together, these features increase our metabolism, stabilize our blood sugar and decrease our body fat. Eating strawberries is a delicious way to maintain a healthy weight!
IMPROVED VISION
The 136% of the RDA of vitamin C in strawberries also does wonders for our eyes. It protects the eye from harmful UV rays and increases the strength of the lens, the cornea and the retina of the eye. This fruit also can help prevent the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
BEAUTY TREATMENT
The vitamin C content of the strawberry supports the regeneration of skin cells and the elasticity of the skin so scars, lines and wrinkles can all be improved by consuming strawberries on a daily basis. Vitamin C also improves the texture of our skin leaving it with a healthy glow. Finally, the acids in the berries help remove stains from our teeth which is great for maintaining a beautiful white smile.
With summer fast approaching and strawberries in season, it’s time to pick up a pint or two on the next trip to our favorite grocery store or farmer’s market. Use them in anything from shakes and smoothies, to pancakes and crepes, pies and cakes, salads and sauces, toppings for yogurt and ice cream, to my personal favorite, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream on top!
Thanks to the sensational strawberry, all these dishes will take us back to a time of sweet memories of summers past. After all, nothing comforts like good old-fashioned comfort food.
Thanks again for joining me, everyone. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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