Strawberries feature in my Gluten-Free Mini Strawberry & Blueberry Cupcakes as well as the delectable Strawberry Jam – just strawberries; sugar and lemons! Simple and divine! I also use Strawberry extract as part of a special “Emily” combination in the Raw Chocolate; Gluten-Free Victoria Sandwich and the Coconut Melts. Strawberries, like all berries, are part of the “sour” category of foods, and are thus great for balancing the heart and small intestine. Here’s some more health benefits of strawberries:-
Like all berries, strawberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are very important because they are the body’s elimination system for free-radicals. Free-radicals are abnormal cells, which are highly dangerous as they can mutate healthy cells and turn them “bad”. If this gets very out of balance, it can lead to inflammation in our bodies, and can then cause diseases such as arthritis; rheumatism; “bad” LDL cholesterol; high blood pressure; heart disease; diabetes and cancer. So anything that counters such cells multiplying is a good thing!
Strawberries are also great for boosting our immune system and reducing signs of premature ageing, again because of the antioxidants present
In addition to antioxidants, they are also high in Vitamin C, another anti-inflammatory, as well as potassium (reduces hypertension and lowers blood sugar levels); magnesium (regulates the metabolism and stimulates the brain) and manganese (also an important antioxidant)
Strawberries also have a high level of dietary fibre, which is also extremely important for reducing the effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol and increasing levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol and maintaining good heart health
Due to the high levels of antioxidants in strawberries they are also highly beneficial for eye health. The majority of eye conditions, which can affect us as we get older, are caused by free-radicals or deficiency in certain nutrients. Free-radicals are essentially something called oxidants, so antioxidants (the opposite of) counter the bad effects, which occur from these abnormal cells. Eye conditions, which can be affected by free- radical damage include excessively dry eyes; degeneration of the optical nerves; macular degeneration; vision defects and a higher susceptibility to eye infections
Antioxidants, such as flavonoids; phenolic phytochemicals and elagic acid, all of which are present in strawberries, can help to counter such situations and increase our eye health exponentially
Potassium, which is present in strawberries, is also great for ensuring we have a correct level of pressure in our eyes
The high levels of Vitamin C in strawberries can help to improve our immune system, as it has long been known to improve our resistance to colds and flus. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, so can help to neutralise free-radicals in our body. A single 100g serving can give approximately 150% of the daily recommendation of Vitamin C!
The great thing, of course, is that strawberries also taste delicious, too!