7 Good Reasons to Love Strawberries

Today I'm getting ready for the 14th Annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival.  I'll be there with the Live Fit Team promoting the Ultimate Body Challenge. 

I love strawberries and have them just about every morning at breakfast.  Not only are they yummy, here are 7 other reasons to love them!

1.  Antioxidants - Antioxidants protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to environmental hazards like smoke, radiation, etc. Free radicals damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases, including wrinkles (not a disease I know but still...).  

2.  Anti-inflammatory - Strawberries have phenols which fight against many inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis, similar to the way that aspirin and ibuprofen do but without unwanted side effects like stomach and intestinal bleeding you get from excessive use of pain relievers.

3.  Combat Cancer - Free radicals and inflammation are at the root of most cancer.  The combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries are a good line of defense in preventing some cancers!  (1+2=3)

4.  Healthy peepers - This is an important one for me because I'm blind as a bat and macular degeneration runs in my family.  The Archives of Ophthalmology recently published a study saying that  three or more servings of strawberries per day can decrease the possibility of contracting age-related macular degeneration by over one-third. I think 3 servings of strawbereris is a lot when you consider the sugar and would recommend you incorporate some of these other healthy-eye foods to defend against macular degeneration:  kale, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, eggs, sunflower seeds, salmon and garlic)

5.  Fiber -  1 cup of strawberries has 3 grams of fiber and only 45 calories.  Fiber aids in healthy digestion, helps control blood pressure and helps prevent overeating. 

6.  Vitamin C - 1 cup of strawberries has about 90 mg of Vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure, build up the immune system, and prevent eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.

7.  Bone building - Strawberries also contain potassium, magnesium, manganese, and Vitamin K, all of which are important for building healthy and strong bones. 

So, come out to the Strawberry Festival and see us or go to your local farmers' market and pick up some fresh, sweet strawberries!

Eat to be Stress-Free

Lake Desoto Farmers' Market, Lake City, FL

Stress can take a toll on your body, your mind and your life. Insomnia, hypertension, headaches, fatigue, and stomach pains are clues that you are under too much stress. Chronic stress can lead to more serious mental disorders such as anxiety and depression as well as physical illness.

A 2010 study by the American Psychological Association found that twenty-nine percent of obese adults reported they experience a great deal of stress. Obese adults are highly likely to report poor eating habits as a result of their stress.

Healthy eating can help combat stress.  A healthy diet should include lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish and poultry, and low-glycemic (or complex) carbohydrates.  When eating to combat stress, stay away from trans fats, typically found in cakes, margarine and fried foods, salts and added sugars, like those found in sodas and breakfast cereals just to mention a few. 

Low-glycemic carbohydrates are great for combating stress because they release serotonin, a “feel good” chemical in the brain. These are found in leafy, green vegetables as well as whole grain foods. Vitamin C, found in broccoli, green bell pepper, strawberries, kiwis and oranges, also plays a role in combating stress, giving your immune system a boot and helping relieve fatigue.  

When making a decision to incorporate healthier eating habits, consider choosing fresh foods first (then frozen or canned).  Local farmers’ markets or locally owned super markets and produce stands tend to have the freshest in-season items, as well as fresh meats.  There is also a considerable cost savings available when shopping locally.

Local favorites:  Norman’s Roadside Produce in Starke, FL, KCs Produce in Lake City, FL, Lake Desoto Farmers’ Market in Lake City, FL

Nearby favorites:  Ward’s Supermarket, Union Street Farmers’ Market