Pick Strawberries Day Is May 20: A Day for Health
May 20 is National Pick Strawberries Day, which after days such as chocolate day, is a family-friendly healthy day.
Strawberries are packed full of goodness and are packed with nutrition. One cup of strawberries contains over 13 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance of dietary fiber, yet only 43 calories. The dietary fiber in strawberries also helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.
According to Health Diaries strawberries contain a chemical compound called phenols. Anthocyanin, a particular phenol abundantly found in strawberries, lends the rich red color to the fruit. Though anthocyanin is known to have antioxidant properties within the fruit, it is debated as to whether the antioxidant agents in anthocyanin-rich foods can be absorbed into the body once digested. Fortunately, however, it is known that when anthocyanin-rich foods are consumed, the body's uric acid levels increase, which serves as an antioxidant agent.
Strawberries are known to have grown in the wild in Italy more than 2000 years ago. Historical records also indicate that Native Americans cultivated them in the 1600's.
One cup contains good portions of Vitamin's C and A, along with calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, selenium, folate and iron. One cup contains 136 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure.