Strawberries: Health Benefits and Harms
Until the 19th century, strawberries were considered a rare guest on tables.
Today, this berry is widespread throughout the world and is valued for its taste and health benefits. There is a whole legend about the discovery of strawberries as a delicacy.
For many thousands of years, strawberries grew all over the world and were of no interest to anyone.
Everything changed in the 18th century, when a French officer serving as a spy in the mountains of Chile was one day very hungry and could not resist eating the red berries that grew in those areas.
The berries helped the officer survive. After this incident, he brought news of the new tasty plant to his homeland.
Some of the berries began to be grown in a French botanical garden. There were two species of this plant growing there, which accidentally crossed one day. Thus, a new species of strawberry was born, which won the hearts of cooks and gardeners all over the world. Strawberries appeared in Russia thanks to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. He was a fan of growing plants and had his own garden near Moscow. One day, a worker in this garden treated the Tsar's son to a fragrant red berry. Not only the boy liked it, but the entire court did too. After this incident, the Tsar ordered this berry to be grown in his garden.
Now let's look at some of the beneficial properties of strawberries.
- The berry contains manganese, potassium and copper. Strawberries are among the top 5 plant foods in terms of element content.
- The berry has a low calorie content (46 kcal per 100 g), which makes it a favorite among those who watch their weight.
- Strawberries are completely cholesterol and fat free, which helps you control your diet.
- Strawberries are recommended for those who want to improve their eyesight.
- Strawberries are good in the process of programs aimed at cleansing the body.
- Strawberries are considered an excellent means of preventing cancer.
- The berry contains a lot of iodine and helps to replenish its deficiency.
Is there any harm in strawberries? It is hard to believe, but there is some. The berry is not recommended for children under three years old. It can cause diathesis and dermatitis. Also, strawberries have the ability to accumulate pollen, which is why allergy sufferers should not eat the berry.
It is also not recommended for people with liver cirrhosis and appendicitis.
The best time to eat berries is in May and June. During this period, they are as natural, fresh and tasty as possible.
Strawberries go great with other fruits and berries in smoothies and purees.
If you're bored of just eating the berry, you can experiment with simple combinations that will reveal the flavor of strawberries in a different way.
- Strawberry ice cream. For this treat you will also need a ripe banana. Grind the banana and strawberries in a blender, put them in an ice cream mold and put them in the freezer for an hour. You will get a refreshing light dessert that will appeal to both adults and children.
- Green smoothie. Greens are healthy, but you don't always want to eat them just like that. Strawberries will brighten up a boring picture with their sweetness. For a smoothie, you'll need a blender again. All you have to do is throw in fresh greens, strawberries and add water. Then - vzzz! - and it's ready.
- Strawberries are perfect as a complement to light snacks. Dark chocolate and strawberry pieces. Strawberries with sparkling champagne. And, of course, the classic – strawberries with cream.
