STRAWBERRIES - NUTRITIONAL & HEALTH BENEFITS
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| STRAWBERRY |
If there is one fruit quite popular around the world, then it should be Strawberry. It is one of the 10 popular fruits around the world. The heart-shaped silhouette of this fruit makes it popular in the world of Love. Strawberries found its origin in Europe in the 18th Century - a hybrid created from two types of wild Strawberry species.
Strawberries are bright red, juicy, and sweet. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C and Manganese, Folate and Potassium. Strawberries are rich in Antioxidants which is believed to benefit heart health and control blood sugar levels. Usually, Strawberries are consumed Raw and Fresh, these berries can also be used in a variety of Jams, Jellies, Puddings and Desserts. And can also be converted into wonderful Smoothies & Milkshakes. Strawberry flavour is one of the most popular flavour next to Vanilla & Chocolate around the world.
STRAWBERRY - NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Strawberries mainly consist of Water and have low Carbohydrate & Fat content. Most of the Carbohydrate comes from the natural Sugars in the fruit - Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose. But they also contain a decent amount of dietary fibre. Strawberries have a relatively low Glycemic Index (GI) score of 40. It is also loaded with Vitamins & Minerals like
- Vitamin C - Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an Antioxidant necessary for immune and skin health.
- Folate (Vitamin B9) - Folate, one of the B Vitamins is essential for normal tissue growth and cell function. This proves beneficial for pregnant women and older adults.
- Manganese - Strawberries are an excellent source of Manganese an element which is important for many processes in our body.
- Potassium - This mineral helps in regulating Blood Pressure.
- Strawberries also contain Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Vitamin B6, K & E to a lesser extent.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES
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| STRAWBERRY |
The heart-shaped silhouette of the strawberry gives out the clue that this fruit is naturally good for your health. These Red coloured little hearts obviously have compounds & minerals which can protect your Heart, increase HDL (good) Cholesterol, lower Blood Pressure, and guard against Cancer. Eating strawberries is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases
HEALTHY HEART
Strawberry consumption is believed to lower the risk of heart-related diseases. Strawberries may improve HDL (good) Cholesterol, lower Blood pressure, and increase Blood Platelets functions.Strawberries may also
- Reduce Inflammation
- Decrease Oxidative stress
- Improve your Blood Lipid Profile.
- Reduce the harmful Oxidation of LDL(Bad Cholesterol)
- Improve Cardio-vascular function
PREVENTS STROKE
The antioxidants Quercetin, Kaempferol, and Anthocyanin present in Strawberries are believed to reduce the risk of Stroke.BLOOD SUGAR
When Carbohydrates are digested it is broken down to simple sugars and released into the bloodstream and starts secreting Insulin, which is used to fuel the energy. Strawberries help to slow down Glucose digestion and reduces the increase of Glucose & Insulin in the Blood. Strawberries may be useful for preventing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.PREVENTS CANCER
Cancer formation is linked to Oxidative stress and Inflammation. Strawberries have the ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation. The Ellagic Acid & Ellagitannins present in Strawberries inhibit the growth of Cancer Cells.
CONSTIPATION
Eating foods that are high in water content and fibre can help hydrate the body and maintain regular bowel movements. Strawberries mainly consist of Water & are rich in Fibre. Fibre is essential for minimizing constipation and adding bulk to the stool.HOW TO SELECT & STORE STRAWBERRIES
STRAWBERRY
Strawberries are fully ripe at the time they are picked and do not continue to ripen after harvesting. Here are a few tips on how to select & how to store strawberries to make your berries last as long as possible.
- Choose Strawberries that have a bright red colour, a natural shine and fresh-looking green caps.
- Strawberries should always be refrigerated and kept dry until just before serving.
- With green stems still intact, rinse berries under cool water.
- After rinsing, gently blot dry.
- Remove the green caps from the berries with a slight twist or with the point of a knife.
HOW TO FREEZE & STORE STRAWBERRIES
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| STRAWBERRY |
Cameroon Highlands in Malaysia is famous for its Strawberry cultivation and most of the Strawberry supply for the country comes from the place. During our visit to Cameroon Highlands, when we saw the
markets flooded with Strawberries we bought boxes & boxes
impulsively only to wonder what to do with them, once we satiated our cravings for
fresh & juicy Strawberries. I stored them in the freezer and it lasted for several
months.
Refrigerating or Freezing is the best way to store Strawberries. Freezing them is an easy way to make them last longer while keeping their nutritional value.
Refrigerating or Freezing is the best way to store Strawberries. Freezing them is an easy way to make them last longer while keeping their nutritional value.
HOW TO FREEZE & STORE STRAWBERRIES:
- Rinse the Strawberries and gently blot dry the fruits.
- Hull the Strawberry(slice off the green stem at the top)
- Place the Strawberries(top portion down) on a tray lined up with a wax/butter paper.
- Leave it in the freezer uncovered for about 24 Hours.
- Transfer the Strawberries to a Freezer Bag or an airtight container.
- Store it in the Freezer.
- Frozen Strawberries can be stored for several months.
HOW TO USE STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are most flavourful at room temperature & they taste the best when fresh. They can be enjoyed just as they are or sliced in cereals, salads and served with any meal, any time of day.
_______________________________________________________________________________- Convert it into Juice/Smoothies/Milkshakes.
- Add them into your Cocktail/Mocktail.
- Make tasty Puddings, Panacotta, Parfaits or Icecreams.
- Can make Strawberry stuffed Pancakes or Serve Pancakes with sliced Strawberries and a drizzle of honey/maple syrup.
- Can use Strawberries in Cakes, Scones, Cookies, Donuts, Bread etc.,
- Fresh Strawberries can be used to decorate Cakes, Puddings etc.,
- Chocolate dipped Strawberries make a wonderful snack.
- Add fresh Strawberries into your Oatmeal for a tasty breakfast.
- Use fresh Strawberries along with Waffles, Crepes or with a French Toast.
- Strawberries can be added into Salads or Salsas.
- Strawberries make a wonderful Jam.
RECIPES WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES
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DISCLAIMER:
Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.
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