The "Super" Berry
Linvilla Orchards in Media. Pa. is kicking off its 2009 strawberry season and festival 10 days early this year! But the strawberry isn't only great for shortcakes and chocolate, the "super" berry is also great for your health, according to the California Strawberry Commission.
The "Super" Berry
Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pa. is kicking off its 2009 strawberry season and festival 10 days early this year! But the strawberry isn't only great for shortcakes and chocolate, the "super" berry is also great for your health, according to the California Strawberry Commission. The Annual Strawberry Festival is back in Cherry Hill, N.J.! But the strawberry isn't only great for shortcakes and chocolate, the "super" berry is also great for your health, according to the California Strawberry Commission. Wonderful news for those concerned with heart health-- Strawberries are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. One serving of strawberries (which is about 8 medium sized berries) is only 50 calories! Did you know that strawberries could help control three risk factors that are associated with heart disease? The heart shaped fruit helps lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and maintain blood levels. Not too shabby! Strawberries are ranked second in antioxidant capacity, losing only to blackberries. Antioxidants help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and promote a healthy heart. Strawberries contain three grams (14 g per 1000 cal. is recommended daily intake) of fiber per serving. And most of the fiber is soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol. Not only do antioxidants help with heart health, they also help the body’s defense system against cancer, diabetes, and neurological decline. Add strawberries to your diet because antioxidants in strawberries may help protect against oral, colon, and prostate cancer. Need something to smile about? Did you know that potassium (K) helps counter the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure and high blood pressure can cause stroke? Thanks again to strawberries, you get 5-percent of the daily value of K in just one serving of the super berry! Just one serving of the heart shaped fruit contains 35 micrograms of folate. Folate helps maintain normal blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine can result in high risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Need some more Vitamin C in your diet? A serving of strawberries provides 157-percent of the daily value of Vitamin C. Watch out O.J.! Cancer cells beware! Strawberries are rich in group of plant chemicals called flavnoids. The flavnoid quercetin may help in the destruction of cancer cells. And could help reduce damage done by free radicals. Having a tough time concentrating? Pop a few strawberries in your mouth to boost your brainpower! Strawberries contain folate and are an essential nutrient that helps maintain brain function. Replace that morning coffee with some strawberries! The folate in these berries can also keep you focused, improve your attention span and memory, help with motor skills, learning and overall health! And a great place to get your strawberry fix this week is the Annual Strawberry Festival! On Wednesday, June 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. head over to Trinity Presbyterian Church on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, N.J. Not only will the church be providing delicious food, but there will be entertainment too! Adult tickets are $6, kids $4, and those who just want dessert it's $3.
