Strawberry season has arrived! The Natural Medicine Center would like to briefly inform you upon the health benefits these tasteful fruits have to offer.

Beginning with nutrients, strawberries are known to be jam packed! More specifically strawberries are nutrient dense with Vitamin C, Magnese, Folate, and Potassium.

Vitamin C is beneficial for your immune system. The vitamin is also great for healthy skin and much more.

The Folate, also referred to as B9, helps with tissue growth and cell function. This is also why women expecting children and the elderly are suggested to eat strawberries or other folate rich foods.

Lastly, the potassium in strawberries helps to regulate blood pressure. Most people think of bananas as a potassium rich food, but, in fact, strawberries and many other fruits are as well.

Another perk to eating strawberries is their abundance in antioxidants. They have shown to play a role in fighting free radicals (better known as cancer cells). Some of the antioxidants found inside are Pelargondin, Ellagic Acid, Ellagitannins, and Procyanidins. The Pelargondin is responsible for the color of the strawberries, whereas the Ellagic Acid contains a chemical compound, polyphenol, that has proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Ellagitannins found within strawberries will turn into Ellagic Acids after reaching your gut. The Procyanidins, on the other hand, are actually found on the outside of the strawberry, on the flesh and inside the seeds. They have been known to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Although strawberries have all these benefits, there are also disadvantages. Strawberries had taken second place on the “Dirty Dozen” list for nearly five years before taking apples’ place for top of the list in 2016. Thus meaning that strawberries have the highest level of pesticide residue than any other fruit in the United States. Pesticides from strawberries may lead to neurological disorders, endocrine and reproductive disorders, immune system deficiencies, and possibly cancer. Studies show that pesticides are in the environment and avoiding them is extremely tough. But, keeping our toxin level down is key.

There is a ton of research supporting the fact that organic and pesticide free produce is A LOT healthier than conventionally grown strawberries, allowing us to enjoy this nutritious fruit with PEACE OF MIND.

The Natural Medicine Center is offering locally grown and pesticide free strawberries on Fridays from 2-5 pm. We hope to see you there!

Favorite Recipe

• 1 bunch fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced pesticide free strawberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey

1. Combine the spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl.
2. Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
3. EAT IT UP AND ENJOY 🙂

1 – Main Vitamins Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries

2- Antioxidants Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries

3- EWG (Dirty Dozen) : https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-fruit-tops-dirty-dozen-list-of-most-contaminated-produce/

4- Pesticide v Organic: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/organic-vs-pesticides-78448.html