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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
Kick off warmer weather with the season’s star fruit. Use strawberries to sweeten and refresh …
Although fresh produce is available year-round, spring and summer seem to highlight fruits and veggies. Warm weather tends to bring a hunger for healthier, lighter fare to satisfy cravings and meet dietary needs. And, suddenly, these healthful options are appearing conveniently in our own backyards—or at least nearby.
Enter, Center Stage: The Strawberry
Considered today’s most popular berry fruit in the world, strawberries offer a plethora of health benefits. Plus, they can juice up your workout for maximum fitness results. Consider these delicious perks:
1. Energizer
A cup of strawberries is a calorie-smart way to consume complex carbs that produce quick energy. At only about 50 calories for 12 medium berries, you can start your engine!
2. Heart Helper
Studies show regular consumption of certain flavonoids found in strawberries can reduce the risk of heart attack. They also contain properties to help reduce blood pressure and protect lining in the arteries. Their powerful combination of antioxidants and other nutrients may reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Packed with the natural anti-inflammatory, quercetin, they also may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardened, narrowed arteries) and protect against cholesterol damage. Some studies suggest quercetin may improve endurance and athletic performance by helping cell function and enhancing the central nervous system.
Their high fiber and potassium count boosts heart health, as well. The latter also helps balance electrolytes during vigorous workouts. Bring on the sweet—we mean sweat!
3. Blood Sugar Regulator
For those with diabetes, or simply trying to maintain balanced blood sugar levels, strawberries satisfy sweet cravings with minimal setback. They are low on the glycemic index and rich in fiber, a combo that helps stabilize blood sugar.
These sweet gems also help reduce complications associated with diabetes, including neuropathy and kidney disease. That can partly be attributed to their abundance of a flavonoid called fisetin, which may enhance memory as well. Remember to pick up some strawberries!
4. Immune Booster
A serving of eight strawberries provides more vitamin C than an orange. Great for fighting off the latest circulation of colds! For the exerciser, this antioxidant helps the post-workout body recover and repair.
5. Hydrator
Strawberries are about 92 percent water. Their hydration factor rivals that of watermelon, one of the most water-dense foods available. Make them a flavorful addition to your daily water requirement to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Packed with water and fiber, strawberries also help prevent constipation. Combined with their low-sugar content (sugars sometimes trigger diarrhea), they are helpful for maintaining bowel regularity.
6. Aphrodisiac?
That’s what the provincial French believed. We’ll leave that for you to determine. (Wink, wink!)
Fun Fact
Technically, strawberries are not a fruit or a berry. This red beauty is the enlarged receptacle of its flower. So, consider it an edible bloom!
Sources
“6 Ways Strawberries Aid Athletes,” by Jennifer Fisher at thefitfork.com.
“Everything You Need to Know about Strawberries, by Megan Ware at medicalnewstoday.com.
“Nutritional Benefits of the Strawberry,” by Andrea Gabrick at webmd.com.
