STRAWBERRIES

Fresh strawberries are in season and they are delicious! Just in case you need more reasons to eat those ripe, red, juicy delicious fruits here are a few facts about them.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, dietary fiber, iodine, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin K, riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper. They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals.

Here are a few health benefits to eating strawberries:

· Anti inflammatory: The phenols in strawberries also fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the same way that the drugs aspirin and ibuprofen do. Strawberries, however, do not carry unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding.

· Healthy eyes: The Archives of Opthalmology recently published a study in which three or more servings of strawberries (and other fruits) per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third.

· Anti-cancer: The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in strawberries is well-known to fight against the onset of many different forms of cancer. Thanks to the vitamin C, folate, and the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that they also contain, strawberries are a delicious defense against potentially cancerous cells.

· Cardio vascular health: Strawberries have also been linked with effecting blood vessels, platelets and lipoproteins positively, which can reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases.

· Bone health: Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health

· Alzheimer’s Disease prevention: the antioxidant qualities of strawberries may also be beneficial in reversing the course of neuronal and behavioral aging. Due to their positive effects against anti-neurodegenerative diseases, strawberries are helpful in slowing the onset and reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

· Diet: One cup of strawberries contains over 13% of the RDA of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.

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.

Use them in smoothies, salads, oatmeal or just plain straight out of the carton. They are awesome!!!!