Strawberries

Strawberries are probably one of the top favorite fruits out there. Children love them, adults love them, and according to many viral videos out there, bunnies love them too! And what’s not to love? They are sweet, juicy, and very easy to enjoy. While the availability of fresh strawberries varies by region, they are easy to find in the late spring and early summer. When they’re not in season, we can always buy frozen strawberries or even freeze dried strawberries to snack on.

There are many nutrients present in strawberries, though mostly in small amounts. The two top micronutrients present are vitamin C with one cup providing close to 100% of our DV (Daily Value) and manganese, with one cup providing 25% DV. This means that strawberries are great for our immune health, our bones, our brain, our red blood cells, our metabolism, and our reproductive health, among other functions.

Strawberries are also very rich in phytonutrients like anthocyanins, which are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and fantastic brain boosters; and quercetin, which is linked to having less cellular deterioration due to aging and to a decreased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

While strawberries are often available in processed foods like jellies, ice cream, sorbet, baked goods and more, keep in mind that these foods typically include unhealthy ingredients like added sugars, dairy and other animal-based products, and chemicals used to preserve freshness, or enhance colors and flavor. Whenever possible, stick to the whole fruit or to mildly processed foods like smoothies, homemade strawberry sauce, WFPB (whole-food, plant-based) baked goods, or nice cream.