Benefits of Strawberries - A Natural Fat Burning Food
Discover the incredible weight loss benefits
of strawberries, how to best prepare them and how much you should eat to get
maximum benefit from strawberries - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.
The number one berry in the United States,
strawberries have been known and enjoyed for many thousands of years all around
the globe. Actually, they were eaten in ancient Greece and Rome. This plant has
been sown and harvested dating back to the early 17th century. The East Coast
is where they were first planted, sometime during the 1800s. Strawberries
traveled Westward with our forefathers.
In the West today, strawberries maintain their
dominance, with a high concentration of strawberries grown in California
(although Florida contributes a lot to the crop as well). At present, over 70
different type of strawberry specimens exist.
Strawberries, which are really part of the
rose family, are the earliest fruit to become ripe in the spring.
While they're not technically a berry because
they grow from the plant's base rather than from a flower's ovary, they're
called a berry for nutritional purposes -- and to please consumers.
The strawberry is a tiny fruit that grows on
the ground level. Unlike any other fruit, their seeds are found on the outside
of the skin. A single strawberry typically has about 200 seeds.
Try to find berries with a vibrant red shade.
Make certain that the berry caps appear fresh and bright green. Green, yellow
or pale pink strawberries are insufficiently ripened. Consumed like this, they
will be quite tart.
Because they are naturally sweet and a
beautiful red color when ripe, strawberries are liked by everyone -- no matter
their age. Strawberry fairs and festivals have helped make this yummy fruit
even more popular. Nearly every American family eats these berries, and more
than half of the kids between 7 and 9 years old pick strawberries when they get
to choose from different fruits.
Fat Burning Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries have no fat, are low in calories,
and are high in fiber and folic acid. They are also rich in Vitamin C and
potassium. Vitamin C boosts metabolic rate and potassium aids in BP regulation.
There is more ascorbic acid in strawberries than in any other kind of berry.
Moreover, they contain no sodium or cholesterol. Fructose contained in berries
give them their sweet flavor and also help suppress appetite.
One serving (approximately 8 medium-sized
strawberries or one cup) has a mere 50 calories and absolutely zero grams of
fat.
The pectin contained in strawberries provides
fiber, which prevents you from overeating, because the fiber makes you feel
full.
Strawberries also have phytonutrient
anthocyanine, which is responsible for its rich, dark red appearance.
Furthermore, your body reaps the benefits of anthocyanine, which assists the
liver in breaking down toxins and flushing them out of your system.
Strawberries are rich in phenylalanine, an
amino acid that releases cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone people have that
helps suppress the appetite. When CCK is released into the system, it curbs
cravings for food. Tryptophan, which helps curb cravings for sugar, is also an
essential component of strawberries.
Glycine, another important amino acid found in
strawberries, assists in the production of bile salts. The body requires these
to aid in digestion, particularly digesting fats. Glycine assists insulin in
regulating blood glucose in the system.
Isoleucine, leucein and valine (considered the
branch chain amino acids or BCAAs) are three more amino acids strawberries have
that assist with low blood sugar. In addition, they play a major role in
maintaining muscle bulk.
Threonine aids in digestion and prevents
digestive problems. Methionine works to regulate fluid levels in our system.
Arginine, an amino acid that helps prevent
weight gain, is found in strawberries. Arginine plays an important part in
keeping cell energy levels steady.
In addition, strawberries have an abundance of
ellagic acid, which provides many benefits, among them -- protecting your cells
against cancer.
How To Prepare Strawberries
Serve them just as they are, raw, to get the
most nutritional value and fat-burning capabilities. The healthiest ones are
those raised organically.
Because they don't last long on the shelf, you
should only purchase quantities that you can consume within a few days if you
want to enjoy them at their peak of freshness. You can also choose to keep some
in the freezer.
Do not rinse them until it's time to eat them.
Don't let them sit in the water. Keep the stems on and the berries can be
stored for longer periods than strawberries without stems. Start by throwing
away the smashed ones and ones with bruises. Put the unwashed berries in a
storage container with a paper towel or paper napkin over the top to cover
them. Invert the covered container and refrigerate the berries until ready to
use. This will keep the strawberries fresh for a number of days. When freezing,
use the technique recommended for blueberries.
Strawberries are delicious all by themselves,
but for a special treat, you might consider topping your yogurt with them.
Prepare a smoothie drink using strawberries blended with soy milk. Put them
into a protein shake for an additional jolt of energy. Toss a few berries into
your salad recipes for a pleasant flavor surprise!
You can also juice them, bake them in pies,
make jellies and jams with them, or even use them to marinate organic meats and
poultry. They are good dehydrated, or toss them into granola for a tasty treat.
What Constitutes a Serving?
For strawberries, a portion fills an 8-ounce
measuring cup.
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