Strawberries not only taste divine, but they are absolutely packed with an array of essential vitamins, minerals, nutrition and goodness too. The health benefits of strawberries are almost infinite. Research suggests that a diet which is high in strawberries – as well as other red and dark-coloured berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and currants, can help to improve brain function, prevent premature ageing, help guard against cardiovascular diseases and developing certain forms of cancer, help to support and improve immune systems, lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels and even help to relieve arthritis pain.
You may associate strawberries with being a quintessentially British summer delight. However, they have been enjoyed with passion since Roman times. Strawberries were then cultivated as a garden fruit in the 18th century in France and thanks to our obsession with gardening, we have been growing them on British soils ever since. There are many varieties available to either grow at home or purchase ready to eat, but one thing all strawberries have in common is that they are undoubtedly a quintessentially British delight and now hold superfood status, making them the perfect summertime treat.
Strawberries are in season which means they are at their absolute best, and in abundance in your local supermarket, farm shop, greengrocer, pick your own farm, or even your back garden.
Let’s take a closer look at why eating strawberries is a must for good health: For a start, whilst strawberries may be small each one is a powerhouse of nutrition, vitamins and minerals. Strawberries offer exceptionally high levels of vitamins C and K, as well as folic acid, manganese and potassium, which means they are one of the most nutritionally rich fruits available.
We are regularly reminded that we need to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in our diets every day. However, with reports suggesting that the 5-a-day portion has now been increased to a recommended 7-a-day of fruits and vegetables, it is more important than ever that we make every possible serving count. The good news is that an 80g portion of strawberries counts as one of your 5-a-day, and the calorie count is extremely low at a miniscule 50 calories per serving. Strawberries contain high levels of important dietary fibre, which is essential for helping to maintain a healthy weight and a well functioning digestive system. If your goal is to either lose or maintain weight, then eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and wholemeal or whole grain carbohydrates which are high in dietary fibre is crucial. Dietary fibre fills you up and it keeps you feeling fuller for longer which means you are far less likely to snack. Furthermore, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and wholemeal or whole grain carbohydrates is proven to help in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. And finally, strawberries contain high levels of polyphenols, which are scientifically proven to help inhibit the breakdown of starches in your mouth, as well as helping to fight the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, strawberries are an excellent source of important antioxidants, which are proven to help boost your health and wellbeing, as well as supporting your body and organs against toxins.