Strawberries: Health Benefits

INTRODUCTION

Imagine what it would be like to own a Smartphone or Tablet with the logo Strawberry, I guess it’ll be a delight to own another great gadget that follows the examples of Apple and Blackberry in the fruit-like naming culture.

Just like Apple which just happens to be one of the most nutritional fruits out there and its Tech brother doing just as great too, I wonder how Strawberry- another greatly nutritional fruit- would compete with Apple if finally a Tech section is added too. Well, I’m just saying.

Billions of people across the globe know what a strawberry looks like, many have had a feel of it and as well, a taste of what it tastes like when eaten. What many don’t know is that these little berries have great nutritional benefits to the human body.

It is my delight to bring to your understanding what the strawberry are- for those who do not know or might have heard of them, but not seen, touched or eaten them- and what nutritional benefits they add to the body when frequently consumed. This brings us to the question, “what is a Strawberry?”

• What is a Strawberry?

The strawberry also known by its botanical name Fragaria is a widely grown berry and is one of the most popular berry fruits in the world. There are more than 10 different species of Fragaria that differ in size, texture and flavour of which the Fragaria × ananassa or garden strawberry most popular. One striking thing is that they all have the same characteristic of being heart-shaped.

Strawberries are often not referred to as fruits as their seeds- numbering and average of 200- are well placed outside their body. They are also runners and are not produced by seeds.

Its cultivation is carried out worldwide for its fruit and the berry is widely appreciated for its bright red colour, sweetness, aroma and juicy texture.

The fruit is consumed daily in large quantities across the globe, either fresh or when prepared in things like preserves, ice cream, chocolates, fruit juice, pies to name but a face. Artificially, the fruit is used as aromas or flavourings as used in many products like perfume, candy, lip gloss, hand sanitizers etc.

• Nutritional Benefits

A body which is not short of strawberries stand to gain a lot as they are well known for their excellent source of vitamins C and K as well as a measured quantity of fibre, potassium, folic acid and manganese. They also contain large amounts of phytonutrients and flavanoids which give them their bright red colour as well as antioxidants (anthocyanidin) which can be used as a protection against heart disease, inflammation and cancer.

Medicinally, they have been used to treat digestive ailments, cure skin irritation and whiten the teeth. The fibre and fructose in them also help to regulate blood sugar levels, by slowing digestion. The fibre is also thought to have satiation effects, either to satisfy hunger. The leaves of Strawberries are also important as they can be eaten raw or processed into tea.

• How to Select a fruits before consumption or processing

Before consuming or processing Strawberries, there are certain things to look out for before choosing which berry should be consumed or not. In choosing strawberries, go for the ones that are firm, plump, without blemish and free of mould.  Eating fresh berries help to protect your health against such thing like food poisoning. Also choose berries that have shiny, deep red colour and bright green caps attached to them. Avoid picking berries that are not fully ripe or look dull and have green or yellow patches. Strawberries unlike many fruits do not ripen further once picked, so lookout before picking up one.

After choosing your desired berries, make sure to wash and handle them with care, and bring them to room them temperature before serving.

It is also vital to choose Strawberries that are locally grown as they look fresher than imported ones. Strawberries are highly perishable and so time of importation can be a disadvantage in that regard.

NOTE:

Strawberries are a common allergen. This is to say that when consuming strawberries and you notice any case of anaphylaxis or allergic disturbances such as watery eyes and runny nose, itching and tingling in mouth or throat, you are advised to stop or reduce consumption and also to visit a Therapist for proper examination and advice.

So, when next you decide to go for ice-cream or pies, or want to try eating a new fruit, why not! Let it be strawberry. And if you think the same way as I do with regards to my introduction and want to see the world filled up with yet another fruit name branded gadgets, why not start a brand with the name ‘Strawberry’.