April Produce: Strawberries Health Benefits

Something that I never seem to get fixed in my head: which fruit/vegetable is in season?

You would automatically think that since the vegetable or fruit is available at the supermarket or your local green grocer, then it’s ok.  I got to learn it’s not when I craved artichokes in January and my mother told me it’s not the season! Not only were they super expensive but they also tasted bad … so ask your mama or just Google it.

A favored fruit to a majority of people, often symbolizing everything cute, red, summery, sweet & comforting are strawberries… And guess what? This month is the month of Strawberries! So apart from all the usual recipes we know like strawberry tart, fruit salad, Pavlova cake (with meringue), muffins, pancakes, how are strawberries good for us?

Here are some quick benefits:

• Strawberries are packed with antioxidants; excellent source of Vitamin C, so they boost your immunity. Vitamin C can help keep wrinkles at bay, since the vitamin itself helps release collagen into the skin.

• Antioxidant properties boost eye health by preventing cataracts (clouding over the eye lens)

• Strawberries contain ‘flavonoids’ which help fight cholesterol or keep it at a low level, so it’s good for the heart.

• They contain phytochemicals which help minimize inflammation of the joints

• They also help with digestion as they’re very rich in fibers.

• Very good for people on a diet as they’re a low calorie fruit

• Mommies in their early stages of pregnancy should consider more strawberries in their diet as it’s a good source of Folate (Vitamin B), which is necessary for prenatal health care.