Tuesday, January 26, 2010

All About Strawberries


Description:


The strawberry, a fruit that contains a fragrantly sweet taste, is the most popular type of berry fruit in the world. While there are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in taste, size and structure, one can usually identify a strawberry by its red flesh that has yellow seeds piercing its surface, and the small, regal, green leafy vegetables cap and stem, that adorn its crown. Apart grown strawberries are also varieties that grow wild. These are much smaller in size but has a more intense flavor. The most common scientific names for strawberry is Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chilioensis.



History:



Strawberries have grown wild for millennia in the temperature regions around the world. They began to be cultivated for some time before the Christian era, and was greatly appreciated by many Romans. But after the fall of Rome, they seemed to have lost their favor until they reemerged in Europe in medieval times. During this time, they began to be appreciated again, so much more for their medicinal qualities than for their culinary value. Cultivation Technique of the European varieties, which were much smaller than the American varieties were raised at this time, although the resulting fruits were not as sweet and fragrant as strawberries today and they are therefore not readily obtain widespread popularity.



It was not until the 18th century, when the randomness and function of the mysteries of nature along the strawberry has been developed for luscious fruit we know them to be and began to spread more widely appreciated. In 1714, a French engineer sent to Chile and Peru to monitor Spanish activities in these countries "discovered" the strawberries are native to this region, which was much larger than those grown in Europe. He brought many samples back to France, which was subsequently planted. These plants did not initially flourish until a natural interbreeding occurred between this species and a neighboring North American strawberry variety that was planted near the area. The result was a hybrid strawberry that was large, juicy and sweet, and one that quickly grew in popularity in Europe.



The strawberries, as many other perishable fruits at this time was a luxury item only for the rich until the mid-19th century. When the railroad was built and quickly established transportation, Strawberry could be sent over long distances and were able to be enjoyed by more people. Strawberries are now the most popular berry fruit in the world. Currently, the U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are among the largest commercial producers of strawberries.



Health benefits of strawberries



The health benefits of strawberries include eye care, good brain function and relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism and heart disease. 
These berries, with their tempting looks and great taste, have secured their place in the list of favorites for ages. Strawberries, with their common scientific name Fragaria (there are different suffixes for different varieties, such as Fragaria vesca wild strawberry, Fragaria Orientals for Eastern strawberries, etc.), are berries that grow in the bushes. 
They are extensively used in foods, ice cream, jams, squashes, syrups, confectionaries, bakeries, chocolate and even medicine to their unusually rich flavor, taste and color. They are also consumed fresh. We know that all fruits, especially berries and those with exotic colors are rich in anti-oxidants. Strawberries are no exceptions. Besides anti-oxidants, many other nutrients and can be effectively used to prevent many diseases.



Let's see what they are. The health benefits of strawberries include:



Eye Care: The main cause of almost all problems of the eyes are free radicals and deficiency of certain nutrients. With increasing age and lack of these protective nutrients, threw the harmful oxidants and free radicals major damage to the eyes as the drying out of eyes, degeneration of the optic nerve, macular degeneration, vision defects and makes them vulnerable to infections and. The anti-oxidants as vitamin C, flavonoids, Phenolic profiles Photochemical and Elegiac Acid, present in strawberries may help avoid this situation to a great extent. One more factor is ocular pressure ie the pressure in the eye. Any disturbance in this is also harmful to the eyes. Again, strawberries are useful because they contain potassium, which helps to maintain the right pressure.



Arthritis and rheumatism: the breakdown of muscles and tissue, desiccation of the liquid that helps the mobility of the joints and the accumulation of toxic substances and acids (such as uric acid) in the body are some of the harmful effects of free radicals present in our body as it primary responsibility for rheumatism and arthritis. Strawberries can be with their team of anti-oxidants and detoxifiers, contribute effectively to push away such health forever. It is a famous saying in India that a serving of fruit a day will remove rust from joints. It is very true for strawberries.



Cancer: Vitamin C, Foliate and Anthocyanin, quercetin and Kaempferol (some of the flavonoids in strawberries possess excellent anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties) together form a strong team to fight cancer and tumor. A daily intake of strawberries is seen to have significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells.



Brain Function: It is very common for older people have a tendency to lose their memory and control over their activities, limbs, etc. This is because of the aging of their brain and nervous system. Actually, free radicals, the employees largely responsible for the aging, has a very negative effect on these systems. Because of those starting brain tissues degenerate, and nerves get weaker. Strawberries can help you out. Vitamin C and photochemical them neutralize the effect of these oxidants and also rejuvenate the system. One more thing, strawberries are also rich in iodine, which is very useful for the functioning brain and nervous system.



High Blood Pressure: Strawberries are very good in potassium and magnesium content, both of which are very effective in lowering high blood pressure caused by sodium. 
Heart disease: High-fiber, Foliate, no fats and high anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and those photochemical (flavonoids) is an ideal cardiac health package that effectively reduces cholesterol. Some members of the vitamin B family are present in strawberries also strengthen the heart muscle and contribute to a better functioning of the heart. 


Other benefits: Foliate is known to protect against birth defects. Vitamin C effectively prevents infection and cold. The phytonutrients including anti-inflammatory properties. Strawberry preserves taste just awesome.

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