Sweet, delicious, and juicy, heart-shaped strawberries are so delightfully tasty. I love how strawberries can be the star of a dish or a very visually vibrant sidekick.
Sweet, delicious, and juicy, heart-shaped strawberries are so delightfully tasty. I love how strawberries can be the star of a dish or a very visually vibrant sidekick.
Strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits, packed with flavonoids and antioxidants that help protect your heart and destroy cancer cells. They are very dense in essential vitamins and minerals which help build healthy bones, hair and nails and much more.
7 Health Benefits of Strawberries:
Boost short term memory: They are high in the flavonoid, anthocyanins that boosts short-term memory.
Can reduce the risk of heart attacks: Flavonoids which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries have been found to help in a study.
Reduces inflammation and other age-related diseases: Strawberries are abundant in antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Helps with less skin wrinkling: They are high in the antioxidant ellagic acid, which prevents skin from wrinkling.
Promotes bone health: Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium which are important for bone health.
Good for weight loss: They are low calories (1 cup contains 9 calories) and high in fiber. The red colouring contains anthocyanins; they stimulate the burning of stored fat.
Anti-aging properties: Filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails.
Did you know?
Strawberries have been growing wild in Italy since 234 B.C!
The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, because of its heart shape and red colour.
Ancient Romans used strawberries because they believed they alleviated symptoms of fainting, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, halitosis, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen.
It is best to buy organic strawberries! Non-organic strawberries have nearly 60 different pesticides in them. Strawberries are always one of the top Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen. They are prone to a fungus which prompts farmers to spray with pesticides many times in one season. I have found that the tastiest strawberries are the ones picked fresh in your own garden or from the farmer's market.
Cautions for some people:
Strawberries contain some oxalates, which are commonly found in animal and plants may sometimes cause health problems. It is advised that people with gallbladder or kidney problems may want to avoid strawberries. Research shows that oxalates may interfere with the absorption of calcium in our body. But more in-depth study will need to be conducted to prove this.
STRAWBERRY RECIPES
Strawberry Peach Green Smoothie
This is a super easy, yummy smoothie to make and a great way to get some greens into your diet. It makes an excellent snack during your day.
Ingredients:
1 cup peaches, chopped
1 cup strawberries + 1/2 cup small strawberries or sliced ones
1 1/2 - 2 cups Swiss Chard or Spinach
1/2 cup clean water
1 tbsp. golden flax meal (optional)
Directions:
Layer peaches, strawberries and greens in your blender.
Cover all ingredients with clean water.
Blend till smooth; use the liquefy button on the blender.
Pour into glass and drink, OR mix in flax meal and 1/2 cup of strawberries.
Strawberry Crumble
Base Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups strawberries (fresh is best but frozen works)
2 cups apples
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup water
Directions:
Core and slice apples.
Simmer apples with water in a covered pot.
Place apples in a baking dish.
Mix in strawberries
Sweeten to taste with honey.
Crumble Topping
Ingredients:
1 cups brown rice flour or whole wheat
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together
Mix oil and rice syrup and add to dry ingredients.
Mix thoroughly with fingers.
Sprinkle on top of fruit and pat down.
Bake at 350ş F. oven for approximately 40 minutes.
Diana Herrington has a long-time interest in eating healthy, which led her to learn about new, healthy foods and create tasty, healthy recipes. Her website is www.realfoodforlife.com
