Strawberries are coming back in season and I couldn’t be more excited. They are my favorite berry and can pass as a dessert more than any other fruit. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t pass up a little ice cream and pound cake to go with it, if I was forced, but it is just as delicious with a little Splenda when trying to count those calories.
Turns out, while I am enjoying this delish treat, there are more benefits to them than I ever knew. Strawberries are full of antioxidants, Vitamins and minerals.
Summer is on its way and that can mean for some of us that we will sweat and create more oil on our skin and face that can make it more acne prone. Strawberries contain more vitamin C than citrus fruit and contains important nutrients that can dissolve pore clogging oil. It also has so many antioxidants that can help stop radicals of sun exposure from damaging skin cells.
Summer Strawberry Skin Clearing Mask
In a bowl, mash a few berries with a fork.
Add 2 Tbs. honey and
1 tsp. lemon juice.
Apply to face for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly with cool water. You can refrigerate excess strawberry mask in an air tight container for up to a week.
Strawberries have also been shown to help cure forgetfulness, improve recall ability, learning capability and motor skills. Scientists believe it is from the high antioxidant content that helps fight the brain cells that are damaged, and impair cognitive function.
Summer Strawberry Brain Boost Sorbet
In a food processor or blender puree 4 cups sliced strawberries.
1/2 cup Cranberry juice.
1/2 cup sugar or sugar substitute.
2 Tbs. lemon juice.
Blend together and freeze 3 to 4 hours.
Puree again until sorbet has a smooth consistency.
Strawberries are also great to fight esophageal cancer. However, strawberries need to be organic or pesticide/herbicide/anything cide free. Strawberries are on the top of the list of the “dirty dozen” as they retain the most of all the bad stuff that most farmers use.
You are so right rspconner, a vinegar solution can help take off some of those “cides!” Good input.