Eating 8 Strawberries a Day May Improve Heart, Mind and Body

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just one cup a day of America's favorite fruit, strawberries, benefits the entire body.  Clinical research suggests that eating just a serving of eight medium strawberries a day may improve heart health, help manage diabetes, support brain health, and reduce the risk of some cancers.  The American Diabetes Association identifies berries, including strawberries, as one of the top ten superfoods for a diabetes meal plan because they are low in sugar, packed with vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber.  When added up, strawberries provide a nutritious "Whole in One" for the entire body.

There's nothing more simply sweet or delicious than a strawberry, but most of us don't eat as many as we should, according to experts.  Last year, new research indicated that an eating plan called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or "MIND", diet can lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease by more than one third – and the secret was a healthy daily dose of strawberries and blueberries.  Since strawberries can play a role in protecting our brains as we age, there's never been a better time to resolve to eat more strawberries than in 2016.

Naturally low in sugar, strawberries provide a unique combination of essential nutrients, dietary fiber and phytochemicals.  One serving of eight medium strawberries is just 45 calories and provides:

• More vitamin C per serving than an orange and 140% of the daily value
• A good source of fiber - 3 grams
• Folate and potassium, along with a variety of health-promoting phytochemicals
• Just 7 grams of sugar

Delicious in both sweet and savory dishes, or by themselves, strawberries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in every meal of the day. By just adding strawberries to simple, everyday recipes, it's easy to boost nutrition and make a difference in overall health.  Here are two simple, nutritious and delicious ways to incorporate strawberries into your diet this year:
Strawberry Balsamic Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
California strawberries
Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Directions

1. Cut the caps off the strawberries so they can sit upright on a platter
2. Slice the strawberries so you can fill them with Parmesan cheese
3. Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the top

Cool Red Strawberry Smoothie: http://www.heartoffarmers.com/cool-red-strawberry-smoothie/

For more information on California strawberries, as well as creative and inspiring recipes, please visit http://www.californiastrawberries.com and http://www.heartoffarmers.com/.  With so many ways to incorporate strawberries into a healthy diet in 2016, it's easy to make it stick—and reap all the health benefits, too.   

For the latest nutrition news on strawberries, visit:  http://www.strawberrynutritionnews.com/

About California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency located in Northern California charged with conducting research to support California's strawberry industry. With an emphasis on sustainable farming practices, the commission works with strategic partners focusing on production and nutrition research, food safety training and education, marketing and communications, trade relations and public policy.

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SOURCE California Strawberry Commission