Summer Strawberries

Strawberries

 June 4th, 2012 

It’s strawberry picking time!! The best time to eat the fresh sweet morsels. It not only taste great but it also is high in anti oxidants.
strawberries played a major role in helping regulate blood sugar response. It is a delicious way  for a  healthy persons  to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and also for persons with type 2 diabetes who enjoy fresh strawberries and want to enjoy them on a regular basis.
Strawberries have anti-inflammatory benefits but not unless they are eaten at least 3 times per week. Strawberries are great for  cardiovascular support and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps in the prevention of certain cancer types including breast, cervical, colon, and esophageal cancer.

Strawberries can help the improvement of inflammatory bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also  rheumatoid arthritis, and macular degeneration.

The peak of their season  for picking Strawberries is from April through July.  Frozen Strawberries are great all year round.

Nutrients in
Strawberries
1.00 cup  46 calories

vitamin C   141.1%

manganese  28%

fiber11.5%

A Great Summer Time Drink

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
• Ice
• Mint sprigs, garnish
• Whole strawberries, garnish

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon peel and lemon juice, stir, and remove from the heat. Let cool completely, then strain into a clean pitcher.

In a blender, puree the pint of strawberries and add to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled.

Add the sparkling water and stir well. Pour over glasses filled with ice and serve, garnished with mint and strawberries.

I ran out of the first batch so fast that I  used Paul Newman’s lemon aide to replace the sugar water and lemons and it came out great both ways. So if you are short on time  it will work in a pinch.

Resources

Worlds Healthiest Foods

Food Network