Strawberries are an excellent source of nutrition; it is almost even a surprise that so much goodness can be packed into this small berry. In addition to its wholesome goodness, it has an exotic taste that has ranked it high among all food connoisseurs. These berries have been around for centuries though only recently the nutritional qualities of this fruit have been studied extensively.

In the days of Roman emperors, strawberries were sought after for its medicinal properties and were used in many herbal concoctions. This fruit contains a higher level of vitamin C than most citrus fruits which actually comes as surprise to many. These berries are also rich in fiber, folate, potassium and antioxidants and hence including them in your daily diet can provide protection against heart disease, high blood pressure and even certain cancers. It has also been known to enhance memory function and prevent rheumatoid arthritis.

Strawberries have high levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants which have the potential to attack those wild free radicals that only cause a lot of damage to our body cells. It is also an excellent source of other vitamins and minerals like manganese, folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B5, copper, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Though packed with nutrition, it is low on calories and is a dietician’s favorite. A cup serving of this fruit contains only fifty-five calories and contains the recommended dose of vitamin C for growing children.

Strawberries are usually available all year round and are quite easy to obtain in all parts of the world. Owing to its great taste, the strawberry flavor has been used extensively in many food products like flavored milk, ice creams, chocolates, candies, desserts and even other recipes. This tiny berry contains about one gram of protein, twelve grams of carbohydrates, four grams of dietary fiber, one mg of iron, ninety-five mg of vitamin C and thirty mcg of folate. These fruits are usually measured as a pint or quart and are available in small baskets in some countries.

The most healthy and nutritious way to take strawberries is by making a smoothie. These delightful milk based shakes are packed with a lot of punch and nutrition and make an excellent on-the-run breakfast or an in-between snack. You can also add ice cream to this liquid combination to make it even tastier and creamier. There are a few things that you must keep in mind while shopping for these berries. Choose ones that are plump yet firm and have a deep red color. The ripest and reddest fruits have all the taste and offer maximum nutrition; also the medium-sized ones taste better than the large ones which are not very juicy and leave a sour taste in your mouth.

These berries must be washed well before consumption and can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator if kept wrapped in a plastic container at the right temperature. A strawberry, a day will make you much healthier without adding on any extra calories.

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Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: Strawberries,berries,nutrition,shakes,tasty