Introduction of strawberries
The health
benefits of strawberries
Stroke:
The antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, and
anthocyanins have all been shown to reduce the formation of harmful blood clots
associated with strokes.1 High potassium intakes have also been linked with a
reduced risk of stroke.
Cancer:
As mentioned above, strawberries contain
powerful antioxidants that work against free radicals, inhibiting tumor growth
and decreasing inflammation in the body.
Blood Pressure:
Due to their high potassium content,
strawberries are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate
the effects of sodium in the body. A low potassium intake is just as big of a
risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium.
Constipation:
Eating foods that are high in water content and
fiber like strawberries, grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe can help to keep you
hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Fiber is essential for minimizing
constipation and adding bulk to the stool.
Diabetes:
Strawberries are a low glycemic index food and
high in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and keep it stable by
avoiding extreme highs and lows. Strawberries are a smart fruit choice for
diabetics, as they have a lower glycemic index (40) than many other fruits do.
Depression:
Folate may also help with depression by
preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can
prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine
interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine,
and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and appetite as well.
Good for weight loss:
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow
and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.
Promote bone health:
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and
magnesium which are important for bone health.
Ease Inflammation:
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive
protein (CRP), a sign of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16
or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated
levels of CRP.
Helps burn stored fat:
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which
stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat
diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the
animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of
Agriculture and Food Chemistry).
Fun and Interesting Facts about Strawberries
·
Folklore states that if you split a double strawberry in half and share
it with the opposite sex, you’ll soon fall in love.
·
There are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor,
size and texture.
·
Strawberry designs are carved in medieval stone masons as the sign of
perfection and righteousness. These designs are often carved on altars or
around the top pillars in cathedrals and churches.
·
The strawberry was a symbol for Venus, the Goddess of Love, because it’s
often heart-shaped and has a rich, red color.
·
Madame Tallien, known as the pronounced figure at the court of Emperor
Napoleon, was popular for bathing in the strawberry juice of 22 pounds of
strawberries.
·
Legend has been told that strawberries were named by English children
who picked, strung it on grass straws and sold them as “straws of berries.”
·
Strawberries belong to the family of rose, along with apples and plums.
·
Strawberries are not classified as berries. Blueberries and raspberries
have seeds inside while strawberries have their seeds outside.
