Strawberries!

🍓  Strawberries! My favorite spring and summer fruit  🍓

🍓 I'm lucky to live in the climate on the California central coast, that is perfect for growing strawberries! I've also been on a number of U-pick strawberry expeditions, too!

🍓 Strawberries are native to the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

🍓 Strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals such as, Vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

🍓 They are also fiber rich and are abundant in antioxidants and polyphenols.

🍓 Strawberries are better eaten raw, as they lose most of their natural vitamins when they're cooked. So strawberry preserves and jams don't have the same health benefits as raw.

🍓 Strawberry's high levels of phenolic compounds lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

🍓 Because strawberries are rich in potassium and magnesium, they also reduce hypertension and the rigidity of arteries and blood vessels, improving blood flow.

🍓 Strawberries boost collagen production which tones the skin and has an anti-aging effect. They are also skin cleansing, although because of the release of toxins, there may be more blemishes at first.

🍓 A single serving (about one cup) of strawberries has about 150% of the daily recommended requirement of Vitamin C, thus boosting the immune system and helping to cure the common cough and cold.

🍓 The antioxidants and detoxifiers in strawberries help reduce arthritis pain and aid in preventing arthritic symptoms, largely due to reducing inflammation.

🍓 Because strawberries are rich in iodine, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, they help maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system.

🍓 The antioxidants in strawberries can help prevent almost all eye problems because they protect against free radical scavenging activity. Examples include, dry eyes, degeneration of optic nerves, macular degeneration, vision defects and increased susceptibility to infections.

🍓 The antioxidants in strawberries are also an excellent line of defense to fight cancer and tumor growth. In particular they are a good source of the anti-cancer compound ellagic acid (along with other berries).

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🍓 Strawberries are great as a snack, a dessert, or a yummy topping for a salad (I put them on my favorite Kale Salad). I also put frozen strawberries in my daily smoothie.

🍓 Please note: try to buy organic, locally grown strawberries if possible. Conventionally grown strawberries contain the highest levels of pesticides (bad for you and bad for the farm workers).

🍓 Also, strawberries ripened in the sun contain the most health benefits, and taste the best! That's why they should be bought locally if possible!

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What is your favorite way to eat strawberries? Are you able to buy them locally or is it challenging for you to buy them fresh where you live?