Strawberries

The strawberry (Fragaria) is a genus of plants in the family Rosaceae and the fruit of these plants. There are more than 20 named species and many hybrids and cultivars. The most common strawberries grown comercially are cultivars of the Garden Strawberry. The strawberry is an accessory fruit; the seeds are the actual fruits of the plant and the flesh of the strawberry is modified receptable tissue. It is whitish-green as it develops and in most species turns red when ripe.

The Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberry is one of the most delicious and nutritious fruit. It has the ability to remove harmful toxin in the blood.

Strawberries are low in calories and a good source of many vitamins and nutrients that a healthy body needs. Strawberries are high in iron and Vitamin C; hey also have less than 60 calories per cup. eight strawberries will provide 140 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vit C for children. Strawberries are also a good source of folic acid, fibre, potassium and cancer fighting anti-oxidants.

It is also recommended for sluggish liver, gout, rheumatism, constipation, high blood pressure, catarrch and even skin cancer.

It is highly rated as  skin-cleansing food, even though the skin eruptions may appear at first in some cases.

It has been reported to help cases of syphillis.

The strawberry, when cut in half and rubbed on the teeth and gumes, removes tartar from the teeth and strengthens and heals the gums. The juice should be allowed to remain on the teeth for as long as possible to dissolve the tartar. The mouth may then be rinsed with warm water.

In addition to being consumed fresh, strawberries are a popular addition to dairy products, as in strawberry flavoured ice-cream, milkshakes and yoghurts. Strawberry pie is also popular. Strawberries can also be used as a natural acid/base indicator.

Strawberries may be the most effective of the five most commonly-consumed berries at eliminating cancer cells, according to a recent study conducted at the UCLA Centre for Human Nutrition. The researchers tested extracts of Six berries - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blackberiies and cranberries - to determinetheir ability to induce cancer cell death.

Strawberries and other berries contain high levels of the phyto-chemicals that are believed to be responsible for the protective effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables against chronic ilnesses.

Strawberry Nutrition information (based on 1 cup (8-10) fresh strawberries)

Calories: 50
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0.6g
Carbohydrates: 11g
sugar: 7g
Fibre: 3.5 g
Iron: 0.6mg
Sodium: 2 mg
Calcium: 22mg
Phosphate: 30mg
Riboflavine: 0.1mg
Vitamin C: 85mg
Potassium: 240mg
Zinc: 0.2mg
Niacin: 0.4mg
Vitamin B6: 92mcg
Folate: 34mcg