Strawberries are good for you – here’s why

 

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that many of us enjoy, especially when we have a sweet tooth. Not only do they taste good but they are also very good for you. Good for your heart, brain and body in general as they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also have a range of bioactive compounds in them including flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignans, tannins and phenolic acids. Strawberries also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help to prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. They can help prevent against cardiovascular diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and neurological diseases.

Heart health

Strawberries are beneficial for your heart as they have antioxidant, anti-hypertension (high blood pressure) and anti-atherosclerotic effects. They help protect low density lipoprotein from oxidation.

Strawberries effect on Obesity

Obesity can cause a range of other health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and strokes. Strawberries can help with obesity-induced inflammation. They can also, increase the amount of gut microorganisms linked to lean body weight, health and longevity.

A good source of Folate, Vitamin C and Manganese

Strawberries are one of the richest sources of folate, a B vitamin your body needs to make DNA and other genetic material. Folate is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and also to help decrease risk of cancer in adults. It helps with depression, heart disease, stroke and neurological disorders.

Strawberries also are a source of manganese. Manganese is good for bone health, reproduction, blood clotting and the immune function. Vitamin C protects cells from damaging free radicals, makes collagen and boosts immune system function. This is another good reason to eat strawberries. You may even be able to lower your risk of lung, breast and colon cancers and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C helps slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and is great in helping with colds.

Anticarcinogenic

Anticarcinogenic, antioxidative and genoprotective properties found in strawberries are helpful in warding off cancer. They are a good source of fisetin, a flavonoid that acts as an anticarcinogenic agent. Fisetin is good for inhibiting cancer cell stages, for preventing progression in cell cycle and growth and induces apoptosis (the programmed death of cells that are beyond repair in the body).

The brain

When you eat a lot of strawberries and blueberries it may help slow the rate of cognitive decline. Fisetin in strawberries has antidepressant potential, increases serotonin and noradrenaline levels. Strawberries may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. 

So, when you feel like eating strawberries, or any berries for that matter, don’t fight it. They taste great and are extremely beneficial to your overall health. However, when purchasing your berries organic berries are better. This is because strawberries, like many other fruits and vegetables, tend to be sprayed with pesticides in produce, and this could mean they have a high level of pesticide residues. If organic berries are not an easy option you could try growing your own. They look quite colourful and are a wonderful addition to any garden.

Natural remedies for colds and flu

This winter is not just about Covid 19. Remember we are also susceptible to colds and flu. There are many recipes for helping with symptoms. Our energy levels and alignment also affects the types of illnesses we attract. Every part of your body aligns with you psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and energetically.

There are many cold and flu remedies but here are a few I have found tried and true after the years.

Cold and flu remedies

Remedy 1

Add the juice of a whole lemon & warm water with one teaspoon a day of this remedy. It can be taken in the morning and is great for a sore throat. It is also disinfectant so it will kill off microbes.

Ingredients

Add some fresh Ginger to fresh Turmeric

Mix in some fresh Garlic, Lemon, thyme, black peppercorns with some natural honey.

Method

Finely grate the Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic & the lemon rind in a bowl.

Gently remove all the sprigs of leaves off the thyme and add them in the bowl.

In a mortar & pestle crush the Black Peppercorns or use pre cracked pepper if it’s easier. Add the Pepper to the bowl.

Next add honey and stir.

Store it in a cool, dark place.

Remedy 2

Take a Spanish onion and cut in half

Grate the onion or cut into small pieces

Add a teaspoon or two of natural honey

Mix these together well

Eat this mixture for a sore throat

It has a tang to it but your sore throat should soon disappear unless it is caused by an underlying infection which will need attention.

Remedy 3

This is an old energetic remedy to increase your energy levels and wellbeing.

Place a glass of water in the sun. Can be through a sunlit window.

The water must be pure filtered water

If you have a sore throat it needs to be in a blue coloured glass or wrap some see through blue cellophane paper around the glass so the sun can go through the blue colour and affect the water.

If you have a temperature you also need a blue coloured glass.

Blue energy is the colour of the throat chakra and blue brings down fevers.

Drink Pranic energised water all day either in blue or ordinary sunlight filtered glasses to detox your energy.

Supplements for cold and flu

Echinacea, olive leaf, sage tea, fenugreek tea, Vitamin C, Vitamin B. Remember to take a multi-vitamin daily and in these times of Covid 19 a good dose of Olive leaf daily as well and some Vitamin C. Nothing compensates for good immunity.

If you need help with colds and flu remedies or aches and pains we also specialise in Bach remedies, Shell essences and aromatherapy oils. We do online sessions so you can give us a call to book a time.