Strawberries are the Healthy Snack Choice

Strawberries are ready available both, fresh or frozen here in the United States year around. The fresh variety can stay good for days in the refrigerator if packed fairly loose in their container. The fruit should be hulled, washed and sorted before eating. The reasons are endless for consuming this delicious super food. I shall tell you a few of the reasons I will continue to snack on strawberries.

Strawberries are high in vitamin C for a healthy immune system. They contain manganese which is a powerful antioxidant for healthy bones and a healthy heart. Strawberries are high in fiber to help decrease the risk of certain cancers. Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K, magnesium, iodine and folic acid (folate) to ensure a healthy snack choice at any age. An extremely healthy choice for expecting mothers because of the folate that helps with developing a healthy offspring free from birth defects.

While searching for a home remedy for arthritis I came across several that claimed strawberries to do the trick. Strawberries have antioxidants (anti-inflammatory phenols) which work much like ibuprofen minus the side effects. I suffer from arthritis pain in my legs and hips from standing long periods of time at my job. I decided to take a baggie of fresh strawberries daily with me to snack on at break time. I believe they are helping, but I have only been doing this for a couple weeks now.

Not only will strawberries ease arthritis pain, but half a cup is said to stop a headache. The phenols will fight against osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries which cause heart attack or strokes), and asthma. Strawberries have a natural ability to slow aging and wrinkles. They help to keep the brain healthy for a good memory. Age related macular degeneration is greatly reduced by adding strawberries to a diet. Strawberries are the perfect food for those suffering from gout as it will reduce swelling associated with it. Strawberries are the healthy snack choice.

Another reason to snack on strawberries is their ability to clear tarter from our teeth. The acid which cleans away the tarter will be beneficial for our gums, too. Did you know this tarter stuck on our teeth will most likely end up in our arteries? I can’t think of a better reason for eating strawberries than making a trip to the dentist less dreadful.

I have been on a regiment now for months to eat healthier with hopes of shedding weight. We all know the answer has always been to eat your fruits and vegetables. The most nutrients come from the raw ones. I really needed something simple to snack on between meals without the high calories. Strawberries make a perfect snack food. There are only 43 calories in a single cup. They are sweet, tasty and somewhat filling. Strawberries fight bad cholesterol and reduce risk of developing type 2, diabetes and heart disease. I love this fruit. Tasty and good for you is seldom used in the same sentence when choosing a snack. Strawberries really are the healthy snack choice.

Strawberries are great sliced over cereal, ice cream or cottage cheese. We can even enjoy them all by themselves fresh from the produce isle or the freezer.

A little whipping cream, a drizzle of chocolate and yogurt help compliment an already tasty treat.

Strawberries mixed with other fruit like peaches, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and grapes make a great dish to past at family reunions or company picnics.

Most any white, yellow, or pound cake are base for a good strawberry shortcake. The most favorite shortcake I ate over the years was made with my grandmother's baking powder biscuits.

Grandma Rood's Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

4 tablespoon shortening

3/4 cup milk

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in shortening, add milk, and knead 1/2 minute on floured board. Pat down to 2/3 inch thick, cut with biscuit cutter. Then place on baking sheet, no need to grease. Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes.