Strawberry Fruit

Strawberry, a fruit native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere but widely cultivated in the Southern Hemisphere as well and belongs to the Rosaceae family. The strawberry is a low-growing, herbaceous plant with a fibrous root system and a crown from which arise basal leaves. The leaves are compound, with three leaflets, sawtooth-edged and hairy. The flowers, generally white, rarely reddish, are borne in small clusters on slender stalks arising, like the surface-creeping stems, from the axils of the leaves. There are more than 600 varieties of strawberry fruits that differ in size, texture, and flavour. This healthy edible fruit contains antioxidants that provide protection by neutralizing free radicals. Strawberry fruit has a bright red colour, juicy texture, sweetness, and characteristic aroma.

 

It is eaten fresh as a dessert fruit, used as a pastry or pie filling, and may be preserved in many ways. The strawberry shortcake, made of fresh strawberries, sponge cake, and whipped cream, is a traditional American dessert. Strawberries are produced commercially both for immediate consumption and for processing as frozen, canned, or preserved berries or as juice.

 

Strawberries make a very delicious and healthy snack that even children will enjoy and it contains vitamins and minerals to keep us healthy. Normally eaten raw it can also be added to fruit salads, fruit punch, cheese and fruit platters, sorbets, ice creams, tarts, cakes, sauces, crepes, waffles or served over breakfast cereal as well. Cooked, it can be added to stewed fruits or made into jam. They contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine. The fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins are acting as co-factors help the body metabolize carbohydrate, proteins and fats.

 

Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. The compound nitrate found in this little fruit promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss. One cup of strawberries contains only 43 calories, has fiber that helps lower blood pressure, and curbs the appetite.

 

Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which helps boost your immunity and protects you from infections. Just one cup of strawberries meets 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Like most fruits and vegetables, strawberries too are high in antioxidants which help in fighting cancer. In particular, strawberries have antioxidants like lutein and zeathanacins which suppresses the growth of cancer cells.

 

One cup of strawberries contains 21 percent of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Manganese is also great for the bones. Strawberries contain measurable amounts of oxalates. Some health professionals believe that oxalates contribute the formation of kidney stones. Oxalates should not be eaten in high concentration as they can crystallize and cause kidney or gallbladder problems. For this reason, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating strawberries.

 

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