Strawberries are pretty berries with sweet yet a type of flavor that almost everyone would enjoy. With over 600 variety of strawberries, which have been grown in different areas for millennia in the wild throughout the world there have been plenty of strawberries, of course in its season, to choose from. Now days we usually get the typical form that has been harvested for many years now--the sweet red uniform strawberries that we see in the regular market. Currently, the united states, Canada, Japan, Italy, Australia and New Zealand are the largest commercial producers of strawberries.

Strawberries (and many other berries as well) are loaded in phytonutrients that are rich in phenols. In strawberry nutrient detail, the phenols would include anthocyanins and anthocyanins 2 and ellagitannins. Anthocyanins provide the red color and are potent antioxidants that have been shown to help protect cell structures within the body and to prevent oxygen damage in all of the body's organ systems. This unique nutrient of strawberries that is filled with phenol content make them a heart protective, anti-cancerous, and anti-inflammatory fruit.

The anti-inflammatory properties of strawberry, which would mostly come from the phenols in addition to other properties of the fruit, to decrease the activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase, or COX.

Pharmaceutical drugs, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen block pain receptors by blocking this enzyme, whose over activity has been shown to contribute to unwanted inflammation.

Examples of such unwanted inflammations are:

• Rheumatoid
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Asthma
  
• Atherosclerosis
  
• Blood pressure
  
• Cancer

Optimal health with phytonutrients

Through studies and research it has been shown that ellagitannin content of strawberries have shown to decrease rates of cancer deaths. In one particular study, strawberries were on top of the list of eight foods that were linked to lower rates of cancer deaths among a group that consisted of over 1,000 elderly individuals. It was shown that those who ate most strawberries were 3x less likely to develop cancer compared to those who did not eat any or ate very few strawberries.

Besides being so important in cancer healing it has shown to protect against macular degeneration as well. Studies done in Archives of Ophthalmology state that eating 3 or more servings of fruit daily may lower the risk of age related macular degeneration (ARMD), one of the primary causes of vision loss in older adults, by 36% compared to those who eat less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily.

Traditional Nutrient Count of Strawberries

In its traditional sense of nutrients, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and manganese. They are also contain good amounts of iodine, potassium, folate, riboflavin, vitamin B5, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin K, magnesium, copper and dietary fiber.

Concerns of Strawberries

Oxalates could be a concern in regards to strawberries. They contain good amounts of them, which usually, does not affect many people unless one is sensitive to oxalates and or have existing and or untreated kidney or gallbladder issues. Oxalates may interfere with absorption of calcium into the body.
In general, this is not a big problem for most individuals. Strawberries, when eaten in their natural state, provide good nutrients to the system and do not seem to cause harm. But because studies have shown such concerns, it is best to avoid or consume minimal amount if you have kidney or gall bladder disease. As far as the calcium issue-- just eat them beautiful gems by themselves or in conjunction with other fruits--aside from your calcium intake.

Pesticides are the other major concern. Commercial strawberries contain loads of pesticides, even more so done most other produce on the market at this time. Since they are sensitive and easy to bruise, it makes it hard to wash the outer part of them (as you would fruits with peel for example). Therefore, they hold on to the pesticide and may even digest it within its porous cells, since it is such delicate fruit. It is of concern to consume commercial grown strawberries at this time. Of course, you could find very nice organic strawberries, which would be the optimal choice.

Allergies would be a concern as well. If you are one of the few that are allergic to this beautiful berry, then it would be quiet ugly for you. So, stay away.

Other than that, strawberries are little gems that could be enjoyed not only for their taste but also, for their wonderful nutrient properties and amazing healing powers.