Written By Miranda Regalado
As nature revives again and spring finally makes its way back to us, we are able to enjoy the savory sweetness of strawberries, almost as sweet as the opportunity to spend a beautiful afternoon picking them from your local farmer. Starting in April, all the way through June, it is the long-awaited strawberry season.
Not only are they delicious, but they have also been captivating our palates and hearts for centuries. We have records of their medicinal use back in ancient Rome, but the modern garden strawberry originated in the 18th century in Europe. Their popularity is not only due to their tasty flavor but also their nutritional benefits. These small red gems pack a big punch. They’re low in calories and filled with antioxidants, making them an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, as well as vitamin B9 and potassium.
As technology advances, and more studies come forward, we are shown again and again that our ancestors were onto something when they used plants as medicine. The American Society of Nutrition in their 2023 Annual Meeting demonstrated the cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health benefits of strawberries. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 35 people aged 66 to 78, consuming the equivalent of two servings daily, they observed results showing a decrease in blood pressure and waist circumference, while cognitive processing speed and antioxidant capacity increased.
These results are significant, and we hope researchers continue to delve into this matter. It turns out that pelargonidin, a biochemical compound found in strawberries, is linked with Alzheimer’s risk reduction benefits. Additionally, anthocyanins, responsible for the vivid red pigmentation of strawberries, play a huge role in protecting our cells from oxidative stress, making them last longer and reducing damage. Some studies go as far as to say this compound may inhibit the growth of cancer. To sum it all up, strawberries seem to slow down glucose digestion and therefore reduce spikes in glucose and insulin, helping to fight type 2 diabetes.
Nature, in its profound wisdom, has provided us with this natural dessert for us to enjoy but also to collect the healthy benefits. As spring returns, let’s seize the opportunity to indulge us with more than a handful of these delightful treat. Whether you decide to enjoy them in their raw glory, blended into a vibrant juice, or mixed into a refreshing smoothie. Let every bite remind us of nature’s generosity and embrace the season and savor the myriad benefits that strawberries bring to our tables and our lives.
