Nutrient Brief: Strawberries
As the weather gets warmer and everyone starts thinking about shedding layers—both layers of fat and layers of clothes—a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while still staying health conscious is with a big cup of strawberries. Strawberries are a fabulous fruit packed with nutrients and antioxidants, however they are still low on the glycemic index and low in calories. Here are some of the nutritional benefits to enjoying these berries:
*1 cup contains 136% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C
*Excellent source of manganese and fiber, as well as a variety of B vitamins
*Only about 43 calories per cup (so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating more!)
*Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that have been shown to prevent cellular degradation from free radicals, which most notably has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and also cardiovascular disease.
While fresh is always best, frozen strawberries are also very convenient and work great in smoothies and other recipes. Peak season is from April to July, so they are a wonderful spring and summer fruit to keep you on track to meet your nutritional goals. Don’t forget to get in as many servings of fruit and veggies as you can every day!
Katie Jensen, CSCS
Fitness and Nutrition Coach
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