HEALTHY & FLAVORFUL SUMMER FRUIT
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Blog. As we all look forward to a summer on the other side of the Pandemic, it’s time to discuss something that’s sweet and delicious, plentiful and easy to prepare, and nutritious as well as flavorful. And that something, my friends, is the strawberry.
This simple fruit is one of the most popular foods in the world. And with good reason. It’s beautiful to look at, it has a wonderful aroma, and it tastes great in just about any recipe. It’s a summer staple and a familiar friend that makes every family dinner, picnic, and barbeque that much more delicious and memorable.
What’s more, the strawberry also is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods we can eat. And here are just a few of the great benefits it offers.
CANCER PROTECTION
This little berry is loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants, including manganese which fights free radicals and reduces cellular inflammation. The anthocyanin gives the strawberry its rich red color and inhibits the potentially dangerous enzyme cyclooxygenase. And when we add the berry’s high concentration of vitamin C, ellagic acid, folate, flavonoids and kaempferol we have a defense against cancer that’s not only effective but delicious as well.
STRONG BONES
The manganese in strawberries is not only a powerful antioxidant, but an essential nutrient for protecting our bones. It supports calcium production maintaining proper bone structure as well as strengthening our teeth. And the potassium, vitamin K and magnesium found in this sweet berry help protect our bones from breaks and fractures.
IMPROVED VISION
The vitamin C in a strawberry 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. And, with a whopping 136% of the RDA of vitamin C in one cup of strawberries, this fruit also can help prevent the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
WEIGHT LOSS
Strawberries contain over 13% of our RDA of dietary fiber in every cup. And, fiber is critical to our overall digestive health as it helps us maintain regularity. The ellagic acid and anthocyanins in the berry slow our digestive process and make us feel full so we’re less likely to over-eat. Our blood sugar is stabilized, our metabolism increases and our body fat decreases. Accordingly, with only 43 calories per cup, strawberries are a delicious and nutritious way to maintain a healthy weight.
BEAUTY TREATMENT
From soaps, to lotions, to hair products the strawberry has definitely found its way into the world of beauty and cosmetics. And, with good reason. The vitamin C content of the berry 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.
In addition, this powerhouse little berry can help prevent heart attacks and strokes, keep our teeth white, treat the symptoms of arthritis and gout, reduce hypertension, boost brain function, and improve our immune system.
Peak strawberry season runs from May through July. In other words, it’s now! So, make sure you pick up a quart or two on your next trip to the grocery store or farmer’s market. Their versatility makes them a great ingredient in everything 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.
These are the dishes that can take us back to a simpler and more gentle time when the long days of summer were so easily enjoyed and embraced. We all can use a little more comfort right now, and good old-fashioned comfort food should always be on the menu.
Once again, thanks for joining me everyone. Have a wonderful and delicious summer and until next time stay safe, stay strong, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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