Strawberries: health benefits and harms

Juicy and fragrant strawberries help regulate blood sugar and strengthen immunity. And they are incredibly tasty, and from them you can cook a variety of dishes. Many consider such a useful berry as something ordinary, but meanwhile, strawberries have many amazing properties that should be considered in more detail.

What is the difference between strawberries and strawberries

From a botanical point of view, strawberries and strawberries are two different plants, although they belong to the same genus and family. In total, in the wild, there are about 30 species belonging to this genus. Most often in everyday life under the word "wild strawberry" is understood wild strawberry. Today it is mainly harvested in the forest, but it is rarely grown in orchards, since its berries are too small.

And what is commonly called strawberries in everyday life, in fact, from the point of view of botany, is a pineapple or garden strawberry. In nature, this species does not exist. But he was not specifically displayed. Strawberry gardening arose on its own due to an accidental combination of circumstances. Its ancestors were two species - Virgin strawberry and Chilean. Both were brought to France from America, as they attracted the attention of botanists with larger berries.

Unfortunately, both species were inferior to ordinary strawberries in terms of taste. The royal botanist planted their bushes next to each other in the Versailles garden, and due to random pollination, a new species appeared - with large, fragrant and very sweet berries. This species was called pineapple, or garden strawberry. And her first bred variety was named Victoria - in honor of the Queen of England. And although garden strawberries came to Russia a very long time ago, breeding work began only in the 1920s. Then varieties more resistant to the local climate appeared, which was the beginning of the mass cultivation of berries, which is commonly called strawberries.

It should be noted that there has been some confusion with the names. In everyday life, strawberries are called pineapple strawberries described above. But in botany, this name was assigned to Muscat strawberries, which have a specific aroma. Its berries resemble small balls. Unlike pineapple strawberries, this species is even found today in the wild, for example, in the south of Russia and Ukraine, and even in some parts of Kazakhstan. Once upon a time, nutmeg was grown in gardens; there were even several varieties of it. But she could not stand the competition with pineapple strawberries. So today it is called strawberries only in scientific and encyclopedic literature, but not in everyday life.

Composition and calorie content

Despite the fact that strawberries contain a lot of carbohydrates, its energy value is relatively small. It is only 32.5–35 kcal per 100 g, depending on the variety.

The beneficial properties of this berry are due to its chemical composition, which includes:

1. Organic acids necessary for normalizing metabolism and performing many other functions in the biochemical processes taking place in the body.
2. Fiber, that is, dietary fiber, which is necessary for normal digestion and the removal of toxins from the body.
3. Vitamin C and various antioxidants, including natural pigments that color the flesh in red. They help strengthen the cardiovascular system, have anti-inflammatory effects.
4. Vitamins of group B involved in metabolic processes. They normalize blood formation, are important for cognitive functions and for the normal functioning of the nervous system. In addition, they participate in the synthesis of the so-called hormones of happiness.
5. Vitamin E - in itself, is a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature aging. In addition, it plays an important role in the normal functioning of the reproductive system, increases muscle endurance, and has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart.
6. Calcium - on the one hand, it is useful in that it is impossible to achieve normal blood coagulability without it, it is also responsible for the conductivity of nerve impulses and for the strengthening of teeth and bones. But on the other hand, calcium, which forms oxalate salts under the influence of acids, can lead to the development of calculi, which makes strawberries eat with caution.
7. Sodium, potassium and magnesium - provide water balance and good work of the heart muscle.
8. Phosphorus - participates in metabolic processes, is necessary for cognitive abilities, good heart function.
9. Iron - is involved in the most important processes of blood formation.
10. Boron - prevents the development of osteoporosis, is very important for strengthening bone tissue.
11. Zinc - has anti-inflammatory properties, it is necessary for the healing of wounds and trophic ulcers that can occur in people suffering from diabetes. Its presence contributes to better absorption of vitamin A and ascorbic acid.
12. Other elements necessary for the normal functioning of the body - for example, fluorine, copper, iodine (so important for the thyroid gland), manganese, etc.

Of organic acids, salicylic acid should be highlighted. It has some antibacterial effect for external use. But it is much more important that when taken internally, it has an antipyretic effect, albeit not as strong as that of finished drugs. This allows the use of strawberries as an aid in the treatment of influenza and other infections.

What is useful strawberry

General benefit

Strawberries are recommended to use, because it has the following properties:

1. Strengthens the immune system, prevents influenza and SARS.
2. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol and prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
4. Reduces appetite and helps control weight.
5. It has a mild diuretic effect.
6. Helps cleanse the kidneys and liver.
7. It can be used to treat skin diseases.
8. Copes with problems such as constipation (and the leaves, on the contrary, are effective for diarrhea).
9. Eliminates intestinal dysbiosis.
10. Regulates blood sugar.
11. Due to the content of salicylic acid, it is effective in the treatment of rheumatism and other diseases of the joints.

And the substances contained in it allow you to cope with insomnia and depression. Thanks to strawberries, recovery from severe diseases occurs faster. It saves from vitamin deficiency, chronic fatigue and loss of strength.

For women

For the fair sex, strawberries are important in that they contain not only calcium, but also boron, which helps prevent osteoporosis - the risk of this disease increases significantly during menopause.Also, strawberries are very useful for blood vessels. Its regular use helps to reduce the level of homocysteine ​​in the body. But this amino acid is dangerous in that it provokes damage to the arterial membranes. Due to the fact that its number decreases, the vessels become stronger. In combination with other substances, this leads to a decrease in the risk of congestion, the development of thrombosis, varicose veins, etc.

The antioxidants and flavonoids contained in strawberries also protect patients from stroke and heart attack. They also prevent premature aging, make the skin more youthful and supple.

Strawberries contain a lot of potassium, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle. This is important at any age, but for women during menopause, when the natural protective mechanisms stop working, it is of particular importance. In addition, potassium allows you to balance sodium, so as not to create an excess of this element.

For men

Vitamin C and other substances that make up strawberry berries improve blood circulation and are able to restore potency. Vitamin E improves heart function and is also beneficial for reproductive function. That is why strawberries in moderation are very useful for representatives of the strong half of humanity.

Zinc, which is found in strawberries, helps prevent inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland. In addition, strawberries are considered an aphrodisiac; in any case, they increase libido and, due to improved blood circulation, relieve erectile dysfunction.

Men are more likely than women to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Therefore, strawberries are especially useful for them. One of its antioxidants (anthocyanin) reduces the risk of a heart attack by about 30%. Another antioxidant - quercetin - prevents the development of atherosclerosis and helps to compensate for the harm caused by "bad" cholesterol.

During pregnancy

Due to the high content of B vitamins and folic acid, strawberries are considered a very useful berry for the first trimester of pregnancy. After all, these substances are necessary for the formation of the nervous system of the fetus and its proper development. Experts say that it is more useful to even start eating strawberries while preparing for conception, but, of course, not every woman takes family planning so seriously.

During pregnancy, strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain soft fiber. This helps to gently stimulate intestinal motility and thereby solve the problem of constipation, which is often faced by expectant mothers.

In addition, this berry has a slight diuretic effect, which allows you to quickly remove excess fluid from the body. This solves the problem of swelling, which usually occurs in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, strawberries do not increase the burden on the kidneys, as diuretics do, which is also very important for expectant mothers.

At the same time, strawberries should be used with caution during pregnancy. Even if before that the future mother did not have an allergic reaction to these berries, but there were similar reactions to something else, it is better to refrain from strawberries. Moreover, you should not eat berries that were brought from abroad out of season - these are greenhouse fruits that do not contain useful substances other than fiber. But they can bring a lot of harm because of the chemicals contained in them, with which they are processed for accelerated maturation or resistance to transportation.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, strawberries can be useful for both mother and baby, because it contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and salicylic acid. This berry helps to stimulate metabolism in order to quickly come into shape after childbirth. In addition, it cleanses the intestines of toxins, which helps to generally improve the well-being of a young mother.

However, strawberries should be introduced into the diet during breastfeeding very gradually, like any other new product, and even more carefully. The reason is that the same red pigment that gives strawberries its beneficial properties can also cause allergies in both mother and baby. So the first berries can be introduced into the diet of a nursing woman only when the baby is 1 month old. They start with just one berry, which is eaten in the morning at breakfast. After that, you need to monitor the baby’s reaction to the new product all day — whether there are rashes on the skin, a runny nose, or the color or texture of the bowel movements. If everything went well, then the next morning you can already eat 3-5 berries, but at the same time, you still need to monitor the condition of the child during the day. If this time there were no negative reactions, then you can already eat a dozen berries, but more is still not needed.

For kids

Many kids are very fond of bright and fragrant strawberries. Indeed, such low-calorie, but at the same time rich in healthy substances, strawberries seem ideal for baby food.

Therefore, healthy children who have no problems with the digestive tract or atopic dermatitis, strawberries are introduced into the diet by the year. But if the child already showed a tendency to allergic reactions, then it is better to postpone acquaintance with her until 2 years.

Children can be given both fresh and frozen strawberries. If the latter was well dried and frozen in accordance with all the rules, it probably retained all the useful substances. Only it is better to defrost it in the refrigerator so that it does not lose its taste, aroma and the very shape of the berries. From frozen strawberries, kids can cook compote, cook jelly or make mashed berry.

Can I eat strawberries while losing weight?

Strawberries contain many vitamins, flavonoids and organic acids, which help to remove toxins, establish digestion and speed up metabolism. Therefore, these berries contribute to weight loss. An effective option is the strawberry diet. Depending on the specific situation, its duration should be 4-8 days, and during this time you can lose 2-5 kg ​​of excess weight.

The strawberry diet is considered quite tough. The emphasis at this time is on strawberries. Every day you need to eat at least 0.7 kg of this berry. But this is not a mono-diet, and the diet is not limited to strawberries alone. In the morning, this product can be combined with oatmeal, unsweetened yogurt or cottage cheese, for a second breakfast or afternoon snack - topped with whole grain bread toast or hard cheese. For lunch or dinner, the menu includes boiled turkey or chicken, as well as seafood. In addition, delicious and healthy salads can be prepared from strawberries, fresh cucumbers and spicy greens.

But, of course, during this time you will have to abandon pasta, pastries, sweets, fatty meats, cream, etc.

Some people find it difficult to follow such a diet purely psychologically, because they lack variety. After all, the specified amount of strawberries must be divided into five meals, and it turns out that this particular berry will dominate the whole day. In this case, you can supplement it with other seasonal berries with low calorie content, for example, blueberries or blackberries. You can even make fruit salads with them, dressing with low-fat yogurt. This will save from monotony.

Before you arrange a strawberry diet, you should certainly consult with your doctor. The fact is that there are certain contraindications. For example, strawberries should not be consumed with gastritis. Organic acids in its composition negatively affect already inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach, and small seeds can injure them. In addition, strawberries have a diuretic effect. In chronic kidney diseases, this can only aggravate the situation, so it is better to do an ultrasound scan first, even if it seems that at the moment there are no problems.

Strawberry leaf benefits

Useful properties are possessed not only by berries of wild strawberries, but also its leaves and roots. Moreover, their chemical composition is such that in some diseases they act even more efficiently than the berries themselves. The fact is that they contain not only vitamins and minerals that are present in the strawberry itself, but also volatile products - substances that are rightly called plant antibiotics. They have an antimicrobial effect and cope with inflammation.

Thanks to this unique chemical composition, strawberry leaves:

1. Effective in inflammatory diseases of the throat, in particular with angina and laryngitis.
2. Unlike the berries themselves, they help treat inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, liver and kidneys.
3. They allow to remove toxins faster, have a mild choleretic effect, which helps to avoid stagnant processes.
4. Normalize blood pressure, including due to vasodilation.
5. Beneficial effect on the heart muscle by adjusting the frequency of contractions.
6. They help get rid of anemia and chronic fatigue.

In addition, this plant has a healing effect, so fresh leaves are applied to the wounds so that they heal faster.

Strawberry leaves are used not only in fresh, but also in dried form. It is best to harvest them in August-September. Before starting the drying process, they are washed with water. After that, they are naturally dried and dried in the sun for several hours. During this time, they become soft and are kneaded by hands, and then dried in an oven or in the open air.

In winter, they make infusion or tea, the recipes for which will be described below. These drinks are used not only for medicinal, but also for preventive purposes. In particular, they are recommended to be drunk to prevent the formation of kidney stones or gall bladder.

Are strawberry tails useful

Many housewives pick strawberry ponytails and immediately send them to the bin. And it is completely in vain, since they are no less useful than leaves and berries. Firstly, strawberry tails contain large amounts of chlorophyll. This element is useful not only for plants. In the human body, it is needed to cleanse the blood and normal production of red blood cells. The latter are responsible for the transfer of oxygen to all tissues with the help of hemoglobin. Thus, eating strawberry tails avoids the problems associated with low hemoglobin levels.

Secondly, the same chlorophyll stimulates blood circulation, and therefore the body is more quickly released from toxins. So strawberry ponytails can be considered an excellent tool for detoxifying the body. Due to their composition, they can normalize blood sugar, which is very important for people with diabetes. Finally, strawberry ponytails contain useful substances that improve the condition of the skin, giving it smoothness and a healthy color.

It is logical to use strawberry ponytails in the summer, while they are fresh. But useful substances remain in dried ponytails. Therefore, they can and should be prepared for the winter. To do this, they only need to be washed well and dried naturally. Then fold the blanks in a paper bag or glass jar, tightly closed with a lid. As such, they can be stored all winter if placed in a dark and dry place.

In the cold season, you can make a drink from them that will help cope with colds. To do this, take 15 strawberry tails, 1 teaspoon of green tea, a couple of rosehip berries and brew a glass of boiling water. The drink is infused for 10 minutes, then filtered and drunk a little, until it cools down.

The benefits of strawberries in combination with other products

Very often, nutritionists advise eating strawberries with dairy products. Many will agree that this berry becomes even tastier.It remains only to understand what role dairy products play in this case.

With cream

Strawberry is considered a low-calorie dietary product, so the recommendation to use it in combination with heavy cream may seem a little strange. But the fact is that the beneficial properties of strawberries are also due to the high content of carotene (it is often called the vitamin of vision). However, it is a fat-soluble substance, that is, it is fully absorbed by the body only when combined with fats. It is them in this tandem that cream provides. Of course, since they are a high-calorie product, they are used with caution, in moderation, while choosing not the fattest option.

It should also be noted that strawberries contain salicylic and oxalic acid, and in large quantities. In its pure form, they can provoke an exacerbation of inflammatory joint diseases. In addition, they are the causes of caries. Cream also helps reduce the aggressiveness of these acids.

With milk

Like cream, milk promotes the absorption of carotene in strawberries. Therefore, based on milk and berries make delicious and healthy cocktails. Only milk for these purposes should be taken low fat. Caution should also be exercised with the use of this drink. The fact is that strawberries in themselves in many people can provoke bloating and flatulence, and in combination with milk this problem only intensifies.

With kefir

It is believed that it is good to eat strawberries with sour cream or kefir, since these products contain fats that promote the absorption of carotenes. However, kefir for these purposes is much more suitable than sour cream. The fact is that strawberries contain oxalic acid, which, in combination with calcium contained in sour cream, forms insoluble calcium oxalate. This leads to a decrease in its supply in the body, which can provoke joint pain, the development of arthrosis, osteochondrosis and even osteoporosis. While the calcium contained in strawberries, in this case is not absorbed by the body. In addition, the presence of oxalates can lead to the formation of kidney stones, salt diathesis and gout.

When strawberries are consumed with kefir (or whole milk), the calcium they contain also forms oxalates, but they transit through the intestines and do not accumulate in the renal pelvis, and in general it is much safer. Many experts consider kefir and yogurt ideal companions of this berry.

Useful properties of strawberry blanks

The strawberry season does not last long, only about a month - and only if there are favorable conditions. Therefore, the housewives try to use such methods of harvesting strawberries that would help preserve all its beneficial properties.

The benefits of frozen strawberries

This is a delicate berry, it is not as easy to freeze as the rest. But still, with this method, it is possible to maintain the maximum amount of nutrients. Product freezing technology will be discussed below.

The benefits of dried strawberries

Dried strawberries, of course, are significantly inferior to fresh berries in their taste. However, it retains many beneficial substances. Just like fresh berries, dried strawberries accelerate metabolism and promote weight loss, normalize blood hemoglobin levels and prevent anemia associated with iron deficiency. Studies have also shown that dried strawberries are much more beneficial for the stomach and intestines, since they are less irritating to the mucous membranes. It protects these organs from free radicals and malignant neoplasms. Moreover, for the purpose of prevention, it is enough to eat only 10-15 berries per day.

All these useful properties are stored for 2 years. So that the product does not deteriorate, you need to keep dried berries in a hermetically sealed glass jar, which is placed in a dark and dry place.

The benefits of strawberry jam

The very method of making jam involves thermal exposure. This destroys vitamin C and some other beneficial substances found in strawberries. In addition, the combination of strawberries with sugar is not particularly useful. Nevertheless, some beneficial substances are preserved.

In addition, there are recipes for blanks without cooking, when fresh berries are simply poured with syrup, which allows you to save more vitamins and antioxidants. And if there are no contraindications to the use of sugar, this method can be considered optimal.

The benefits of strawberry compote

Of course, this drink is not as useful as fresh strawberries. But it allows you to save most of the beneficial substances contained in the berry. And the main advantage of compote is that it can be preserved in order to receive these nutrients in the cold season.

The benefits of strawberries with sugar

Many people think that harvesting such as strawberries and sugar will be beneficial. However, in fact, from a nutritional point of view, mixing such ingredients is not worth it. Firstly, in this case, the berry often becomes the cause of bloating and flatulence. Secondly, in combination with sugar, those acids found in strawberries can cause pain in the joints and spine. Finally, this is just a high-calorie product that can not be consumed with diabetes.

Strawberry in medicine

Modern medicine recognizes the benefits of strawberries. However, doctors warn that it is important to eat this berry correctly so that it only benefits without side effects.

With diabetes

Surprisingly, with diabetes, this sweet berry also benefits. Of course, if we are talking about its moderate amount and the correct application. The fact is that strawberries contain antioxidants that fight inflammation, which is a complication of diabetes.

In addition, the fiber contained in the berries delays the processing of glucose in the digestive system, thereby eliminating its forced entry into the blood and regulates sugar levels. And just in the strawberry itself it contains a little. But you need to remember that with diabetes, strawberries are good in the form of snacks - literally 100 g for lunch and afternoon snack in combination with low-fat yogurt, and only if there are no contraindications.

Important: Strawberry Glycemic Index - 32 units.

With pancreatitis

This disease is an inflammation of the pancreas. With an exacerbation of pancreatitis, strawberries are contraindicated in any form. During remission, you can eat dried berries, drink strawberry jelly. And an infusion of strawberry leaves will help restore pancreatic tissue faster.

With gastritis

With gastritis with high acidity, fresh strawberries will have to be excluded from the diet, since the acids contained in it will only aggravate the situation - and this applies not only to periods of exacerbation of the disease, but also to the stage of remission. You can drink strawberry jelly, although there will be much less useful substances in it. However, many experts recommend dried strawberries as an anti-gastritis remedy, since it no longer contains so many acids, but antioxidants that eliminate the inflammatory process remain.

For the intestines

Fresh strawberries are not recommended for irritable bowel syndrome, since eating them can cause severe bloating and flatulence. In addition, it enhances peristalsis, which can also aggravate the course of the disease. But dried strawberries are considered very useful for the digestive tract, including the intestines.

For constipation

Strawberries contain a lot of fiber, which not only allows you to remove harmful substances from the body, but also stimulates intestinal motility, which helps to cope with constipation.

With gout

In the days of Benjamin Franklin, strawberries were thought to help prevent gout attacks. Indeed, medicine has proven that the use of this berry can reduce joint swelling, relieve pain, and even stop inflammatory processes. But you can use it only in fresh or dried form without sugar, which will only increase pain and swelling. And although the strawberry itself does not contain purines, its use with cream or fat sour cream can lead to disruption of salt metabolism. So the best option for gout is low-fat and unsweetened yogurt.

With colitis

As with any other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fresh strawberries are not recommended for colitis, since acids and fiber in this case will only aggravate the problems.

For the liver

Strawberry is considered a very useful product specifically for the liver, since it helps to remove toxins and at the same time has a slight choleretic effect.

With hemorrhoids

This berry is useful for hemorrhoids for several reasons. On the one hand, it contains a lot of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation, which is very important for this disease. On the other hand, with hemorrhoids it is very important to avoid constipation, and strawberries have a mild laxative effect without side effects.

With cholecystitis

Since strawberries increase the secretion of bile, it is one of the products that are allowed for cholecystitis. But for the same reason, it should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor if the pathology is accompanied by the formation of stones.

Strawberry-based traditional medicine recipes

This berry is widely used in folk medicine. In this case, other parts of the plant are used, for example, leaves. The following tools can be cited as an example:

1. For colds accompanied by sore throats, bacterial infections of the oral cavity, as well as for the prevention of gum pathologies, an infusion of berries is used. They make it as follows: take 2-3 large fresh berries per serving, knead in a porcelain or simply ceramic mortar (but not metal to avoid oxidation), then transfer to a prepared glass jar, pour a glass of boiling water. The tool is insisted for 20 minutes. They need to gargle and mouth 5 times a day. The infusion should be warm, but not hot.
2. For the prevention of anemia, it is recommended to eat 0.5 kg of fresh berries every day. You can also use dried, but in smaller quantities, since the concentration of nutrients in them is higher.
3. Strawberry compresses and dressings are used in the presence of trophic ulcers or slowly healing wounds. To prepare a compress, fresh ripe berries are taken, washed, additionally poured with boiling water so that bacteria do not get into the wound, knead with a fork. The resulting mass is applied to the wound, covered with cling film on top, fixed with a bandage, left for 30-40 minutes, then the remaining mass is removed with a cotton pad.
4. With small kidney stones, inflammatory processes in the bladder, stagnation of bile, flu and SARS, it is recommended to drink tea from strawberry leaves. They are harvested in August-September, when the plant ceases to bear fruit, dried in the open air under a canopy, then stored in glass jars covered with paper (or in canvas bags). Before making tea from the leaves, they are crushed, at least broken into 2-4 parts. For 1 cup of such a product, you need 2 large strawberry leaves. They are brewed with boiling water and insisted for 5-10 minutes, and then filtered and drunk during the day, divided into two or three equal portions. To improve the taste, it is recommended to add 1 teaspoon of honey there.
5. In case of gum disease, in the presence of symptoms of food poisoning or mild intestinal infection, as well as with diarrhea and bacterial infections of the throat, a strong infusion of strawberry leaves is taken.To prepare a drink, take 6-8 leaves for 2 cups of boiling water and insist them for 40 minutes. It is best to use a thermos for these purposes.

The listed funds have additional effects - they have a diuretic and diaphoretic effect. Therefore, they also lower blood pressure and can be used in addition to antipyretic drugs.

Strawberry in cosmetology

The rich chemical composition of strawberries makes it an extremely useful product for home cosmetology.

For face

Masks made from fresh strawberries, used throughout the berry season, give a pronounced and at the same time fairly long-lasting effect. Owners of dry skin are recommended to do this procedure once a week for a month. With oily skin, the frequency increases to two procedures per week. But the duration of the course is the same - a month. You can use the following options:

1. Mask for sensitive skin under the eyes. For its preparation, fresh yolk, several strawberries and a small amount of almond or olive oil are taken. The product is kept on the skin for 20 minutes, then washed off.
2. Anti-aging mask with whitening effect. Sour cream of any fat content is mixed in a blender with fresh strawberries and applied to the face for 15-20 minutes, not more, and then washed off with warm water.
3. Mask for dry skin, prone to peeling. Take 3-4 large berries, chop, mix with one fresh yolk and a small amount of olive oil. To achieve a thicker consistency, ground oatmeal is added a little. The mask is applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes, then washed off and a moisturizer is applied.
4. Universal mask. It is made from mashed fresh berries and grated green cucumbers. The product is applied to the skin in the same way as in the previous versions.
5. Whitening mask. It is made on the basis of strawberries crushed in mashed potatoes or squeezed juice from it. In the latter case, the product is applied to a tampon, and only then wipe the face with this tool.

However, it should be remembered that strawberry masks are not always beneficial, sometimes they can do harm. Therefore, in some cases, such home-made cosmetics are simply contraindicated, for example, they cannot be used if there are open wounds and cuts, or because of traces of insect bites - even if they were just mosquitoes. The fact is that the berries contain a lot of acids, because of this, the described problems will only worsen.

Also a contraindication for strawberry masks is individual sensitivity. After all, strawberry itself is a pretty strong allergen. So first you need to try this mask on a small area of ​​the skin, for example, on the wrist, and then apply it to the face. Contraindication is the presence of inflammatory processes in the acute stage.

For hair

You can also make hair masks from strawberries. For example:

1. For oily hair. Strawberries are crushed in a blender and mixed with two fresh egg yolks and blue pharmacy clay (take 2 tbsp.spoons and diluted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions). The tool is applied to the scalp, that is, only to the roots of the hair, for the entire length is not necessary. Then they put on a plastic shower cap and are insulated by wrapping a terry towel around their heads. The product is kept for half an hour, then washed off with a regular shampoo.
2. For dry hair. Take kefir, which is slightly heated, to no more than 38 degrees. It can also be replaced with drinking yogurt without additives. This drink is poured into strawberry puree, whipped in a blender, then 2 more tablespoons are added to the mixture. tablespoons of olive oil. The mask is applied to the entire length of the hair and to the area around the roots too. A plastic film is wound on top and a terry towel is wrapped around the head. The mask is held for 40-60 minutes, then it is washed off in the usual way.
3. Nourishing mask. It is made from strawberries, banana and honey. It is also kept for a long time, about an hour, but the result is worth it, because the hair acquires elasticity and a healthy shine.

Harm and contraindications

Although strawberries are generally considered a very healthy berry, in some cases it is contraindicated. In particular, it should not be used by people suffering from hypertension if they are constantly taking drugs containing enalapril. In combination with strawberries, too much load on the liver is obtained.

Strawberries are contraindicated for those who suffer from diseases of the digestive tract - gastritis, ulcers, colitis, but only if it comes to fresh berries. Kissel can be drunk during remission; dried strawberries can also be consumed when there is no exacerbation. And, of course, in no case should you include strawberries in the diet of an allergy sufferer.

With gout, arthritis, and other joint diseases, strawberries are used with caution and only as described above - that is, without cream and sugar.

Symptoms of Strawberry Allergy

Allergic reactions are caused by the red pigment that is part of these berries. Symptoms are standard for this disease - mainly a red rash or hives (it is not as harmless as it seems, and in severe cases it can cause angioedema, fraught with anaphylactic shock). Therefore, in the presence of a rash, swelling, runny nose, accompanied by transparent secretions, you must certainly take a tablet of an antihistamine drug - tavegil, suprastin or histafen.

How to pick and store strawberries

When choosing berries, it is important to remember that they must be dry and whole, so you need to carefully select them, especially if they are intended for subsequent freezing. You should pay attention to the color of berries. It should be bright or dark red, this is an important indicator of taste, since strawberries, after they have been picked, practically do not change their color. You also need to pay attention to the "hat" and the tail - they must be green and whole. And, of course, in a ripe berry, the aroma must be strong and very saturated. If the berries have a dark red tint, but there is no smell, it can be a greenhouse strawberry that does not have useful properties.

If strawberries were grown without the use of chemistry, in the most natural conditions, then the berries will be of different sizes, because even on one bush they have different sizes. Hydroponic imported strawberries are often distinguished by the fact that all the berries are large and, as they say, one to one. By the way, smaller berries are often sweeter.

Ideally, strawberries should not be stored in the refrigerator, nor without them. This is a delicate berry, and if the task is not to freeze it, then you need to buy it only in very small quantities to eat immediately. In extreme cases, it can lie in the refrigerator during the day, but then it can’t be washed before use, otherwise it will lose its shape and vitamins will begin to break down. In general, if strawberries were grown using nitrates, then in the refrigerator they will have time to turn into nitrites, which are very dangerous carcinogens.

Is it possible to freeze

Strawberries can be frozen. Only for this you need to carefully select the berries and prepare them for this procedure. Rinse the strawberries very carefully, changing the water several times. You can freeze it whole, then the ponytails do not need to be removed, because without them the berry loses its shape. You can also freeze strawberries with sugar (per 1 kg of berries 300 g of fine sugar), but this is not very useful. As an option - freeze in the form of mashed potatoes, while the berries can be crushed quite quickly with a blender.

Is it possible to dry

Strawberries can and should be dried for the winter. It is only necessary to select whole and intact berries, rinse them, dry them, remove the stalks, cut into thin plates. You can dry in the oven, a special fruit dryer or in the open air. If dried in the oven, then you need to cover the baking sheet with parchment. Drying is best at minimum temperature, leaving the door half open. Strawberries should be dried for 2.5–3 hours on each side, possibly more, depending on the thickness of the slices and the water content of the berries.

In the air, it is better to dry strawberries on white paper, you should not use newspapers because of printing ink. The drying process takes longer - at least 2-3 days (depending on weather conditions).

How to eat strawberries

It is believed that strawberries are best consumed as a separate meal so that they do not cause flatulence and fermentation. At the same time, popular "companions" like sugar and champagne in this case only bring harm, reinforcing negative phenomena and leveling the benefits of berries.

How much can you eat per day

During the day, a healthy person can eat up to 0.5 kg of strawberries. Although this berry is considered low-calorie, a larger amount can lead to various troubles - for example, flatulence or increased stress on the kidneys.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach

Eating strawberries on an empty stomach is not recommended. It contains oxalic and salicylic acids, which irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach, even in people who do not suffer from gastritis. So the best option for eating strawberries is snacks between two meals.

There is no need to eat strawberries at night. It has a mild diuretic and laxative effect, so you won’t be able to sleep soundly. The exception is cases when a person suffers from chronic constipation. Then a small amount of these berries, eaten at night, will help cleanse the intestines in the morning.

What can be cooked from strawberries: recipes

Basically, various desserts are made from strawberries. Although there are cooks adding it to salads and soups, most still prefer traditional options.

Jam

For 1 kg of strawberries take the same amount of sugar, 2 g of citric acid, 3 tbsp. tablespoons of water. The strawberries are thoroughly washed, changing the water several times, then the tails are torn off. The berries are covered with sugar and left at room temperature overnight. During this time, juice stands out from it, so that the berries are gently mixed with it, so as not to crush. Then citric acid diluted with water is added and the jam is cooked in the usual way - brought to a boil and left for another 4 minutes over medium heat to make the syrup clear. If you carefully mix the mass with a silicone spatula, then the berries will remain intact. Ready jam is poured into prepared jars.

Compote

In order to cook the compote, 200 g of strawberries will need 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar. The berries are pre-filled with sugar and left for half an hour to let the juice flow. Then they are poured with 1 liter of water, brought to a boil, left over low heat for 4-5 minutes and turned off. You can serve such a compote with fresh mint leaves.

Wine

Wine made from strawberries is the same as from other berries. For 3 kg of berries, take 2 kg of sugar, 3 l of water, if desired - another 100 g of raisins. The strawberries are thoroughly washed, the tails are removed, knead in a smoothie with a blender. Then this pulp is transferred to a container with a large neck, add the finished sugar syrup and mix. Raisins should be added in order to speed up the fermentation process. The container is filled with 3-4 volumes so that then the mass does not overflow, put in a dark place, cover with gauze to protect from flies. The mixture is stirred occasionally. In total, the fermentation process takes about 60 days. Then the wine is drained from the sediment and bottled in prepared bottles.

Jelly

Tasty jelly is a great option for winter harvesting. For 1 liter of strawberry juice, you need 0.7 kg of granulated sugar, 10 g of gelatin and 400 ml of water. Gelatin is prepared in the usual way. Strawberry juice is obtained from ripe berries that have passed the boiling procedure - they are kneaded with a wooden spoon and squeezed through cheesecloth. After that sugar is poured into the juice, the syrup is boiled from it until completely dissolved, at the end of the process, gelatin is added, brought to a boil and poured into jars.

Ice cream

Strawberry ice cream is a simple and delicious dessert. To prepare it, you need to take 300 g of strawberries, 200 ml of cream, 100 ml of yogurt, 5-6 tbsp.tablespoons of condensed milk. Wash strawberries, remove ponytails, chop in a blender. Cream with powdered sugar whipped with a mixer. Then combine these two ingredients, add yogurt and condensed milk, mix and put in the freezer.

Smoothie

This drink is best made on the basis of unsweetened low fat yogurt. In addition to 5-6 strawberry fruits, you can add a banana there to improve the taste, as well as 1 teaspoon of honey if the berries are not too sweet, but watery. All this is whipped in a blender and served with ice.

Confiture

Strawberry confiture is a very delicate dessert. It is boiled without syrup, that is, water for its preparation is not needed. It is not necessary to cook for long so that the berries retain a bright shade and pectin is not destroyed. For 0.5 kg of strawberries, 0.3 kg of powdered sugar, 5 g of pectin or about 3 g of agar-agar, 1 g of citric acid are taken so that the confiture does not turn out to be sugary, and a little cardamom.

Strawberries are crushed in a blender, then put in a pan with powdered sugar and spices, brought to a boil and cooked for no more than 4-5 minutes. Prepared agar agar is then poured and citric acid is added. The thickening process will go almost immediately. Hot jam is poured into cans.

Paste

Although traditionally pastille is made from apples, it can also be made from strawberries. 100 g of sugar are taken per 1 kg of berries. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cardamom. Strawberries need to be sorted and washed, and the tails are removed at the last moment so that the berries do not absorb too much water. Then it is kneaded in mashed potatoes with a blender, rubbed through a sieve to get rid of the seeds, pour the resulting mass into a pan with a thick bottom. After that, sugar is poured into it, mix thoroughly, put on the stove and bring the mass to a boil. Boil it for 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally so that part of the moisture evaporates.

The baking sheet is covered with parchment paper, the jam obtained is poured onto it while it is still hot, so that a layer no thicker than 7-8 mm is obtained. After that, the pastille is dried in the oven at a minimum temperature and with a slightly open door. You can put it in a special fruit dryer. It will take about 4 hours. When the formation becomes dry and resilient, it is rolled into rolls and cut into portioned pieces.

Jam

For 1 kg of strawberries take 0.5 kg of sugar. The berries are washed, crushed in a blender, sugar is added and the jam is brought to a boil. To make the mass thicker, you can increase the amount of sugar. But some housewives add potato starch - 0.5 tbsp. spoons for every kilogram of berries. The jam is constantly stirred with a wooden spoon.

Juice

The berries are crushed using a blender, then squeezed through cheesecloth. No juice additives are needed. It is not necessary to throw out the pulp - it is better to grind it through a sieve and make a pastille. Juice for the winter can be frozen.

Candied fruit

1.5 kg of strawberries take 1 kg of sugar and 200 ml of water. About 350 g of candied fruits are obtained from this amount. Syrup is boiled from water and sugar in a thick-walled pan, when it boils, strawberries are lowered there. Then they take it out, let it drain, bring the syrup to a boil again and again dip the berries there. In total, this procedure is repeated 7 times. After this, the berries are left to cool in syrup, then the strawberries are taken out and left to drain. They cover the baking sheet with parchment, put berries on it and leave it to dry in the sun for 4–5 days. After that, they can be placed in containers and sent for storage in the freezer.

Chocolate covered strawberries

This is a classic dessert that does not lose its relevance. To prepare it, take 150 g of fresh berries, 100 g of white chocolate, 100 g of any dark chocolate without fillers, vegetable oil (best of all from grape seed).

The berries are washed thoroughly under running water and dried on a paper towel. Ponytails do not need to be deleted. The berries are laid on a board and cooled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.During this time, chocolate is melted in a water bath (you can do this in the microwave). It should completely melt so that there are no large pieces.

A metal grid or mesh is greased with vegetable oil and put on spread out paper towels. Cold berries are dipped in melted chocolate (holding the tails, so they do not need to be torn off). Then the strawberries are placed on a wire rack so that the chocolate does not touch the bars. The grate is put in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, but only after the glaze has set. If you need to dip the berries in both types of chocolate, then you need to wait until the first layer is grasped, then dip in the second.

Is it possible to give strawberries to animals

Dogs and cats can be given strawberries, but only if the owner is sure of the quality of the berries - for example, if they are picked from their own site. At the same time, animals of large breeds can be given whole berries, and small dogs and cats need to be cut into pieces.

Interesting Strawberry Facts

Strawberry is a berry with an interesting history. Moreover, it is a berry only in the domestic sense. In fact, the yellow seeds on it are nuts. That is, the red and juicy part is just an overgrown receptacle, the weight of which can reach 250 g (such cases have been recorded). On average, even on a small strawberry, there are about 200 nuts. Each year, in the state of California alone, they collect more than 1 billion tons of these fruits, and the popularity of strawberries is not declining.

Strawberry photo