Enjoying National Strawberry Month
Do you feel like some strawberries this month? If you answered “Yes”, well then you are in for a sweet treat. May is National Strawberry Month and that means wherever you look you shall notice an immense number of deals and savings on these delectable, antioxidant filled fruit. Most markets around the country has increased their stock of strawberries this time of year for you to make all your favorite dishes and drinks.
Fun Fact About Strawberries
A fun fact about strawberries as you enjoy them this May or Season is that they are grown in every state and in Canada so you can find them somewhere locally or organic grown without having to go too far.
Reasons to include Strawberries in your life are:
Packed with minerals and vitamins
Strawberries are an antioxidant packed with your daily dose of vitamin C. It also offers up a good amount of B9 and has minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium to name a few.
Low in calories (weight loss)
Strawberries are low in calories and sugar content but packed with fiber and full of water (90%), consuming these berries are very helpful to losing or maintaining your weight.
Improves Chronic Conditions
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from some form of chronic condition and are not allergic to strawberries this may be a fruit you may want to add to your meal plan.
Lowers Inflammation
Constant intake of strawberries has been shown to reduce unwanted inflammation in the body; this has beneficial and decreasing chronic disease and pain within the body. Strawberry phenolics (chemical compounds) are able to exert anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic (fights cancer), antiproliferative (stop cancer cells from spreading and multiplying), and anti-atherosclerotic (beneficial effects in helping to prevent heart disease and stroke) activities.
Ways to enjoy strawberries
This month consider adding strawberries to your healthy lifestyle regime because it taste great and is so good for you. You can add strawberries to your smoothie, drinks (lemonade/soda/seltzer, tea), salad, sandwich, cake, muffins, jams or eat just as is. There is so many things you can do with strawberries let your imagination drive you to where you want to go with it. No matter which way you incorporate them into your lifestyle, you will not regret having them because strawberries are packed with so many nutrients to replenish the body.
Regardless of how you use strawberries this month, just make sure they are organic or locally grown to avoid the heavy pesticides. Strawberries are indeed an amazing fruit/flower with an immense of benefits to make you feel and look great.
How will you add strawberries to your life this month?
Energizing Strawberry Smoothie
Serving Size: 4 - 6
Prep/Boil/Simmer Time: 5 Minutes
What you need for this recipe:
(2) Cups Almond Coconut or Rice Milk (Coconut Water works well too)
(2) Cups of Organic Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen)
(2) Bananas
Optional: Sprinkle some almonds or pecan pieces on top. Add a cherry for fun.
Instructions
Place everything in the blender and let the baby churn and you are good to go. If you use fresh strawberries instead of frozen and want it chilled, you may want to add about 5 to 6 ice cubes and cut back the milk or water by a quarter. If you decide to add the options (pecans and or cherry) that will take no time. Do not worry, the sweetness will not be lacking in this smoothie because of the bananas. If you want the drink sweeter add dates or agave, but you really won’t need it; especially if you are seeking an energy boost.
Reference
The healthy effects of strawberry bioactive compounds on molecular pathways related to chronic diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28618011/