Strawberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, and should be included in a healthy diet. They are a best eaten within a couple of days of purchase, as that is when their nutritional benefits are at their peak. Strawberries are best stored in the refrigerator in a humid drawer with little air circulation. You can tell they are at their best when they are vibrantly red and firm.
It is highly recommended that strawberries be eaten raw, rather that added to baked goods or dessert. In fact, strawberries lend themselves to becoming a sweet ending to a meal all by themselves, as many cultures replace processed or baked desserts with fruit in its natural form to assist digestion.
For healthy individuals looking to regulate their blood sugar, and persons with type 2 diabetes who need a reduction in blood sugar spikes, a cup of strawberries have been found to be a great benefit.
Strawberries also contain an extraordinary amount of phytonutrients, all of which provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Inflammatory blood markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to decrease with an increased consumption of strawberries. The most significant changes were discovered if the berries where eaten at least three times per week.
Along those lines, strawberries are beneficial cancer fighters. Studies show the berries’ anti-inflammatory properties to be useful in fighting breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer, as well as tumors in animals.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how strawberries may play a role in combating aging and age-related illness. Preliminary research has shown that the berries may have a positive role in combating cognitive degeneration, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel issues.
Enjoy a wealth of nutrients in strawberries like vitamin C, manganese, iodine and fiber, to name a few. Add them to salads, smoothies, or yogurt to improve daily strawberry intake.
