MANILA, Philippines – Who wouldn’t want to taste that sweet, succulent, and scrumptious strawberry?

Strawberries are so rare and expensive in our country that people regard them as high-class fruits. Hence, people consume fresh strawberries only during special occasions. Some even equate the red heart-shaped fruit with romance and affection, eating them during Valentine’s Day and wedding anniversaries.

Other than its rarity and steep price, strawberries are valued for their exquisite taste and aroma. The juicy fresh fruits are sweet yet tart – perfect for desserts, salads and healthy snacks. Meanwhile, its sweet one-of-a-kind aroma inspired scents for perfumes and oils.

Unknown to most people, these delicious fruits are also highly nutritious. Strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C. In fact, a cup satisfies 140 percent of a person’s minimum daily requirement of vitamin C. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins B2, B5, B6, and K, manganese, iodine, potassium, folic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, copper and fiber.

Moreover, strawberries contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that fight free radicals, those highly reactive atoms, molecules or ions because of extra electrons and can easily bind themselves to other elements inside our body. There they transform into chemicals that damage cells that can contribute to certain kinds of cancer. It is believed that strawberries are filled with antioxidants, making the berries bright red.

Some even regard the strawberry as a “food of youth” because it can reduce the risks and effects of age-related diseases. For example, it can provide an increased protection against rheumatoid arthritis.

In a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, it was found out that vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. Participants who consumed a low vitamin C diet are three times more likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis.

Strawberries can also prevent the decline of motor and cognitive skills related to Alzeimer’s disease, lower occurrence of gout, stabilize blood glucose, protect against macular degeneration, improve wound healing, reduce wrinkles, alleviate varicose veins, strengthen the gums, and melt gallstones......


Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=569420&publicationSubCategoryId=77