Strawberries – Abund Berry

strawberry

Overview

Strawberries are said to be the most appetizing foods, due to their aspect that tends towards perfection; perhaps this is also the reason why strawberries are the most popular berries. Produced by a seemingly fragile plant, the strawberry is a fleshy fruit with a shiny texture that turns a deeper red color as it ripens, changing its shape. Although more perishable compared to other fruits in their family, strawberries are relatively easy to grow in almost any soil/area, making them easier to find in supermarkets.

The "treats" of kitchens all over the world, strawberries are the first choice when it comes to desserts and exotic drinks, giving taste and color to tarts and cakes, ice creams or cocktails. In addition, due to their sweet taste, they successfully replace (if only a part of) the sugar in them.

However, consuming excess strawberries can cause complications among people with kidney problems, as the kidneys cannot eliminate the large amount of potassium ingested. Strawberries also contain goitrogens, which are thought to interfere with thyroid gland function in people with thyroid problems. That's why it's important not to monitor reactions when we eat them - not just allergic ones, and to respect the indicated portions, i.e. 8 medium-sized fruits.

Nutritional values per 100g / Percent RDA

(daily reference dose)*

Energy
(kcal):

Fats
(g/0%):

Carbohydrates
(g/3%):

Proteins
(g/1%):

Dietary fiber
(g/6%):

Vitamin C (mg/62%):

Calcium
(mg/1%):

Copper
(mg/13%):

Iron (mg/2%):

Manganese (mg/12%):

Potassium
(mg/2%):

ORAC score**/100 g: 1540

Top benefits

In ancient times, they were considered "medicinal fruits" - and rightly so, but given their antioxidant-rich content. Clinical research has determined that just eight strawberries eaten daily can have important benefits, including potentially improving heart and brain health, as well as reducing the risk of cancer. Although they are sweet, they have a glycemic index (GI) of 40, which makes them safe for consumption by people with diabetes or those on a diet.

An average strawberry can be richer in vitamin C than an orange, for example, and their deep red color is given by anthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant. Due to this fact, but also the presence of manganese and also the impressive amount of potassium and folate, strawberries are on the list of superfoods, due to the amount of antioxidants and their complex nutritional profile. Vitamin B9 / folic acid is important for normal tissue growth and cell function, being especially recommended during pregnancy.

Not to be neglected is the fact that the vitamin C present in the strawberry is a hopeful ally against skin aging, supporting the production of collagen, essential for maintaining skin elasticity. According to a study conducted in South Korea, the ellagic acid in strawberries prevents the destruction of collagen and skin inflammation, the main causes of wrinkles.

Did you know that…

in fact, the strawberry is not a fruit; the true "fruit" of the plant are their tiny seeds.

Quote essential information:

Unlike raspberries, there is not just one "strawberry smell" molecule in the strawberry fruit, but several, and some of these tickle the smell receptors only when we chew the fruit.

The tips and the tricks our:

For a strong start to your day, add a few strawberries to your bowl of whole grains.

After you buy them, keep them in the fridge (2-4°C) and consume them within 2-3 days at the most.

Wash only as many strawberries as you will eat, keeping them under running water.

If they start to lose their shine, put them in the freezer and use them in smoothies.

*NUTRITION DATA SOURCE: https://www.nutritionvalue.org

**Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity = This index measures the antioxidant capacity of the fruit. High values imply a strong antioxidant capacity, which implies a low oxidation process, essential in protecting the body against the negative effects of free radicals.