Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and are very rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control. Fresh strawberries are very high in water, so their total carb content is very low — fewer than 8 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). This means that strawberries should not lead to big spikes in blood sugar levels and are considered safe for people with diabetes.
The most abundant vitamins and minerals in strawberries are:
- Vitamin C. Excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for immune and skin health.
- Manganese. Frequently found in high amounts in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, this trace element is important for many processes in your body.
- Folate (vitamin B9). One of the B vitamins, folate is important for normal tissue growth and cell function — and fundamental for pregnant women and older adults.
- Potassium. This mineral is involved in many essential body functions, such as regulating blood pressure
Shopping Tips
Choose shiny, firm strawberries. Caps should be fresh, green and intact.
Storage Tips
Do not wash strawberries until ready to eat. Store in your refrigerator 1-3 days.
Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa
Need a fun and different recipe that uses strawberries? Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa is a fun twist on traditional salsa. With only five ingredients you can make this in a hurry. This salsa is a delicious source of Vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber with few calories! The combination of strawberries, lime and jalapeño is a fun flavor combination sure to please even the pickiest of pallets.
Ingredients
2 cups finely diced strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper (remove the seeds for less heat)
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
Juice of a large lime
Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. You can serve this with tortilla chips or try it over grilled chicken breast. Makes 2-4 servings. Enjoy!