The Health Benefits of Strawberries
It’s the most wonderful time of year again - strawberry season!
Not only are these small, red berries absolutely delicious, they hold a load of health benefits, too!
Part of this year’s backyard garden harvest
To highlight how amazing these little berries really are (and to satisfy my inner dietitian), I decided to make a nice, nerdy list of the health benefits of strawberries for you!
Health Benefits of Strawberries:
They’re a great source of Vitamin C. If you haven’t heard already, this promotes a healthy immune system and is a key factor in skin health and adequate wound healing.
They’re high in antioxidants (known as polyphenols). Polyphenols have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol (known as “good” cholesterol to many), decrease blood pressure, and decrease your risk of developing heart disease. They are also known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and have been shown to potentially reduce cancer risk.
They’re packed with fiber (both soluble and insoluble). Both forms of fiber help aid in digestion and gut health by adding bulk to stools (soluble fiber) and preventing constipation (insoluble fiber). Fiber also helps prevent quick increases in blood sugar after eating.
They’re high in potassium. Move over, bananas, you’re not the only excellent source of potassium! Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and adequate amounts can decrease your risk of stroke.
They’re a great source of folate (Vitamin B9). Folate is a nutrient that is essential for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who are looking to become pregnant. Consuming adequate amounts in the diet have been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in a developing fetus.
They have a relatively low Glycemic Index of 40. In other words strawberries won’t cause a large spike in your blood sugar after consuming them. This not only prevents you from a terrible blood sugar crash later on, but is extremely beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
They’re high in manganese. There have been studies that show that manganese is essential for bone health and development and promotes bone mineral density with the help of other nutrients such as calcium. Manganese also aids in carbohydrate and cholesterol metabolism.
If you’re wondering how you can include more of these mighty berries into your diet, here is a list of my favorite ways to eat strawberries (and keep a look out for strawberry-based recipes coming soon)!
Ways to Enjoy Strawberries:
Enjoy them straight from the garden (wash them off first of course!) The taste of a strawberry fresh off the vine is by far the most delicious in my opinion!
Slice them up and add them to your morning oats, yogurt, or cereal.
Use them to make a delicious strawberry jam or jelly.
Freeze them and add them to your morning smoothie (strawberry banana is my favorite).
Slice them and add them to your salad to give it a bit of sweetness. You can even use them to make a strawberry vinaigrette if you’re feeling fancy!
Use them to make a delicious strawberry crumble or strawberry rhubarb pie.
All-in-all strawberries pack a delicious and nutritious punch! They can be an excellent addition to your diet and are versatile and tasty!
Have you been enjoying strawberry season so far? What are your favorite ways to eat strawberries? Let me know in the comments!
XO,
Aubrey, RD
