Farmers’ markets at local farms will soon be teeming with berries grown only a few miles away from Mid-Shore residents.
While several niche berries have gotten recent acclaim as superfoods, the old standards such as strawberries remain a powerful player in health and wellness.
From diabetes to heart disease, strawberries’ health benefits are nothing to pass by.
Its heart shape offers a glimpse into just some of its health power.
They contain anthocyanins that a Harvard research study has shown to cut heart attack risk in young and middle-age women by 32 percent.
Strawberries’ high polyphenol content could also aid against cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure, experts say.
The fruit’s fiber and potassium also support heart health.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2 percent of American adults meet the daily 4,700-milligram recommendation for potassium.
Strawberries a great source, however, experts note if you are already perscribed Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly used for heart disease, potassium levels may increase in the blood from that and high potassium foods should then be consumed in moderation.
Anthocyanin, along with two other antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol, can help reduce harmful blood clots from forming.
Strawberries are low on the glycemic index which, with its high fiber content, helps regulate blood sugar, making it a good choice for diabetics.
“Researchers discovered in 2011 that eating about 37 strawberries a day can significantly reduce the complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease and neuropathy,” writes registered dietician and blogger, Megan Ware. “The study showed that fisetin, a flavonoid contained in abundance in strawberries, promoted survival of neurons grown in culture and enhanced memory in healthy mice, along with prevention of both kidney and brain complications in diabetic mice.”
Though it may sometimes seem like all the “good foods” aren’t good for you, strawberries prove otherwise.
And soon, farmers’ markets and local farms will be teeming with berries grown only a few miles away.
If you don’t have a favorite spot to buy or pick your own local strawberries, Marylandsbest.net has a helpful locator tool to find the nearest grower or outlet to you.
