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Berry Healthy!
From Goji Berries to Cranberries, berries are one of the healthiest snacks on the planet. One of my favorite berries is the Strawberry. We all know strawberries are delicious, but they are also nutritious, and ideally should be a part of everyone's diet. You'll enjoy many health advantages by eating strawberries regularly, and the best part is strawberries are one of the sweetest and most delicious fruits available.
You've heard it before, but a diet high in vegetables and fruits can help you combat cardiovascular disease, cancer, and prevent or delay the onset of many of the effects of aging. The USDA recommends that every American eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but unfortunately, most people don't even come close to that. Adding fresh strawberries to your diet, whether they are in salads, smoothies, or on their own, is a great way to get the servings of fruit you need for a well-rounded diet and a healthy immune system.
Strawberries contain a wide range of nutrients, with vitamin C leading the group. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. A serving of strawberries will provide you with 210 mg of potassium, a mineral that will help regulate the electrolytes in your body, lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. Strawberries are also high in folate, a key ingredient in the manufacture of red blood cells, and a possible aid in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Although Strawberries are very versatile, they are also quite perishable. Be sure to purchase fresh strawberries only a few days before they are to be eaten. When strawberries are in season locally this is rarely a problem. But at other times of the year, it may be necessary to make due with frozen strawberries.
At the produce section choose strawberries that are plump firm and free of mold and have a deep red color. Unlike other fruits, strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so be sure to choose the ripest, reddest strawberries, as they will provide the best taste and the highest nutrient density. Many people find that medium sized strawberries are sweeter and more flavorful than larger ones. When buying pre-packaged strawberries, be sure that the berries have not been packed too tightly, as this could cause them to be crushed or otherwise damaged.
The best way to store strawberries is out of their plastic grocery bag and in a roomy container that has been sealed with plastic wrap or a tight fitting lid. Don't wash strawberries before refrigerating them, as exposure to moisture will promote mildew. If possible, leave the stems and caps on until you are ready to prepare them. Strawberries are best if eaten within four days of purchase. Although modern strawberry varieties are resistant to bruising, locally grown crops are still likely to be fresher, less damaged, and more flavorful.
Strawberries are a tasty treat, but they are also good for you. They are free of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, naturally sweet, and low in calories. Adding them to your diet is a painless way to start eating for your health.
