There is nothing like fresh strawberries in the summer. Try them in this refreshing salad, which has an entire day’s worth of vitamin C.
If you are the strawberry addict like me, then this time of year must make you euphoric. Canadian strawberries are just the best. Contrary their oversized waterlogged cousins to the south, berries grown in Canada are teeming with character. The common garden strawberry that we get in stores today is a hybrid of the French (for flavour) and Argentinean (for size) varieties. In our modern world, we are accustomed to strawberries being available year-round, but nothing can compare to the first sweet taste of fresh fruit. Local berries also mean the much miniature carbon footprint.
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Why you should eat fresh strawberries
For more reasons to justify the strawberry habit, savour these five sweet facts, Here are Five health benefits of strawberries.
1. They are an excellent source of folate.
Strawberries are a fantastic source of folate (the folic acid found in food). Inadequate amounts of folate in the ageing population can contribute to atherosclerosis, vascular disease and even a drop in cognitive function. Medications used for ailments like rheumatoid arthritis can consume folic acid in the body, so stock up on strawberries to provide!
2. They could decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Strawberries are being studied for their unique ability to suppress the inflammatory responses of the body and reduce our likelihood of hypertension by lowering LDL cholesterol. A 2013 study published in the Circulation found women who ate three or more servings of strawberries and blueberries in a week decreased their risk of heart attack by 32 %.
3. There’s more than enough vitamin C.
Strawberries contain more than 100 percent of our regular recommended intake of the vitamin C in just one cup. Recent studies show that when vitamin C has consumed during times of stress, it can decrease our blood pressure to the normal level, preventing the development of hypertension — especially in kids.
4. They’re an excellent source of fibre.
Strawberries are high in fibre, which is essential for moving food through your digestive system and helping bowel movements. It can help improve digestion, especially for those with constipation or irregular stools.
5. They’re high in antioxidants.
Strawberries contain anthocyanins, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects us from the damaging effects of our environment, especially the sun. The antioxidant power of the anthocyanins found in the strawberries lasts up to 24 hours after consumption; this makes them an excellent defence against free radical damage.
Strawberry, red onion and spinach salad recipe
It is a classic strawberry-spinach salad and the perfect blend of sweet, sour and savoury. The spinach is one of the richest sources of lutein, which protects your vision by absorbing damaging UV radiation and dissipating it harmlessly. The yellow bell peppers in this recipe are teeming with vitamin C, which offers immune protection. Together with the strawberries, you get your daily dose of vitamin C in just one serving of salad.
Ingredients
4 cups baby spinach
One medium red onion, finely sliced
One large yellow pepper, finely sliced
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup pine nuts
Dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
Directions
1. Layer veggies in a bowl and top with berries and pine nuts.
2. Mix dressing ingredients in a mason jar and pour over the salad.