The Heart-Shaped Berry
Native Americans called this fragrant fruit "heart-seed berries". In ancient times, people could only hope to dream of strawberries. It was a good sign. For instance, the wife of a young man who dreamt of the sweet fruit was sure to be a sweetheart and bear him many children.
Strawberries not only look like a fruity heart-shaped valentine, they are filled with unusual phytonutrients that love to promote your health...
The fragrantly sweet juiciness and deep red color of strawberries can brighten up both the taste and aesthetics of any meal; it is no wonder they are the most popular berry fruit in the world. Although strawberries have become increasingly available year-round, they are at the peak of their season from April through July when they are the most delicious and most abundant.
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber and iodine. Plus, strawberries are a good source of potassium, folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and copper. Strawberries also contain an array of beneficial phytonutrients, including flavonoids, anthocyanidins and ellagic acid. Strawberries' unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one.
If you have joined any of my programs, you must know that strawberries are one of my three favorite fruits, the other two being apples and papaya. Strawberries have even less calories than apples (with no sugar added of course). They are also very rich in vitamin C that boosts the immune system. Strawberries contain few but quite diverse minerals. Most importantly, strawberries and strawberry preserve have a very low glycemic index, making it a sweet alternative for dieters.
Enjoy the sweetness of this wonderful fruit!
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