Strawberries | ruby gems of happiness and and healthiness

healthy living Jul 09, 2018

If you’re a strawberry addict like me, then you know that local, organic strawberries are the best. Unlike their oversized, waterlogged, conventionally-grown cousins, which are picked unripe and shipped from far away, locally-grown strawberries are teeming with flavour and generate a much smaller carbon footprint. In this modern world, grown accustomed to strawberries being available year-round, nothing compares to that first, sweet taste of a fresh, local organic strawberry.

The common garden strawberry found in stores today is actually a hybrid of the French (for flavour) and Argentinean (for size) varieties. Unfortunately, these common, conventionally-grown strawberries are #1 on the Dirty Dozen list for the highest pesticide content of produce!

Should I eat organic strawberries?

1. YES! Strawberries are an excellent source of folate.

Strawberries are an amazing source of folate (folic acid found in food). Inadequate amounts of folate in the aging population can contribute to atherosclerosis, vascular disease and even a decline in cognitive function.¹ Medications used for conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis) can actually deplete folic acid in the body, so stock up on strawberries to replenish!

2. YES! Strawberries could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Strawberries are being studied for their unique ability to suppress the inflammatory responses of the body and reduce your risk of hypertension by lowering LDL cholesterol.² A 2013 study, published in Circulation, found women who ate three or more servings of strawberries and blueberries in a week reduced their risk of heart attack by 32%.³

3. YES! Strawberries have more than enough Vitamin C.

Strawberries contain more than 100% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C in just 3/4 cup. Recent studies show that when Vitamin C is consumed during times of stress, it actually has the ability to decrease your blood pressure to a normal level, preventing the development of hypertension — especially in kids.⁴

4. YES! Strawberries are a great source of fibre.

Strawberries are high in fibre, which is important for moving food through your digestive system and helping bowel movements. This can help improve digestion, especially for those with constipation or irregular stools.

5. YES! Strawberries are high in antioxidants.

Strawberries contain anthrocyanin, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects you from the damaging effects of the environment – especially the sun. The antioxidant power of the anthrocyanins found in strawberries lasts up to 24 hours after consumption; this makes them a great defence against free radical damage.⁵

References

Sara Tulipania, Bruno Mezzettia and Maurizio: "Impact of strawberries on human health: insight into marginally discussed bioactive compounds for the Mediterranean diet" Battinoa Public Health Nutrition / Volume 12 / Special Issue 9A / September 2009, pp 1656-1662
Arpita Basu, Marci Wilkinson, Kavitha Penugonda, Brandi Simmons, Nancy M Betts and Timothy J Lyons: "Freeze-dried strawberry powder improves lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in women with metabolic syndrome: baseline and post intervention effects" Nutrition Journal 2009, 8:43 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-8-43
Aedín Cassidy, PhD; Kenneth J. Mukamal, MD; "High Anthocyanin Intake Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Young and Middle-Aged Women" Lydia Liu, MSc; Mary Franz, MSc; A. Heather Eliassen, ScD; Eric B. Rimm, ScD 2013; 127: 188-196 doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.122408
Pricilla Regina Oliveira Fernandes Fernandes, Fabio Alexandre dos Santos Lira, Vanessa Vieira Lopes Borba, Maria José Carvalho Costa, Ivani Credidio Trombeta, Maria do Socorro Brasileiro Santos, Amilton da Cruz Santos: "Vitamin C Restores Blood Pressure and Vasodilator Response During Mental Stress In Obese Children" Clinic of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Federal University of Paraíba.Rua Severino Massa Spinelli, 191/202 - Tambaú - 58039-210 - João Pessoa, PB - Brazil: February 03, 2011.
Catherine Felgines, Se ́ verine Talave ́ ra, Marie-Paule Gonthier, Odile Texier, Augustin Scalbert, Jean-Louis Lamaison and Christian R: "Strawberry Anthocyanins Are Recovered in Urine as Glucuro- and Sulfoconjugates in Humans" The Journal of Nutrition 133: 1296–1301, 2003.

Author

Julie Daniluk

R.H.N.

Julie Daniluk is a nutritionist, award-winning author, TV host, anti-inflammatory food and sugar-free expert, and founder of Meals That Heal, Hot Detox, & Becoming Sugar-Free.