Strawberries: health benefits and harms

Strawberry is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Rosaceae. Stalks of strawberries reach a height of 20 cm, they are straight, with a hairy coating, have triple leaves of dark green and bluish-green color. The flowering of strawberries falls on May-July, and the crop is harvested from the beginning of summer until the beginning of autumn, which depends on the particular variety of berries.

Wild strawberries grow in Russia, Central Asia and other countries with a similar climate. This plant prefers bright, sunny places, various hills, clearings and edges. Often you can find real strawberries, called glades.

What is the difference between strawberries and strawberries

Strawberries and strawberries are equally appreciated by the inhabitants of Russia. Both berries have an amazing taste, and also contain a large number of vitamins of other elements. In their appearance, strawberries and strawberries are also very similar, but still it will not be difficult to distinguish them, given several criteria:

1. Strawberry berries are usually larger than strawberries, but if we are talking about garden strawberries, and not forest strawberries, then it can be quite large and it will not be so easy to distinguish it from strawberries.
2. The color of strawberries is more saturated and bright. Strawberries are often just red and dark red. But this criterion applies only to fully ripe berries.
3. Strawberry bushes grow up to 20 cm, and strawberries - up to 32 cm. Both plants have a mustache, due to which the reproduction of crops occurs.
4. The leaves of the plants in question differ from each other. So, in strawberries they are larger and thicker, with a corrugated edge, and in strawberries the leaves are thinner and have serrated edges.
5. Strawberries have a sweeter taste, while strawberries are more often sour.

Thanks to the signs listed above, even someone who is not very versed in berry crops can easily determine where strawberries are and where strawberries are.

What is more useful: strawberries or strawberries

Strawberries and strawberries are some of the most healthy berries. They contain many vitamins and other necessary substances, they are familiar to mankind from antiquity and are used to treat many ailments. To understand which of these berries is more beneficial, it is necessary to analyze the effect of each of them.

Strawberries are advised to use in the presence of disorders of the nervous system, jaundice, as well as tonsillitis and hemorrhoids, strawberries - for the treatment of digestive organs, kidneys, bladder. Both berries are eaten to increase immunity and the body's resistance to colds and viral diseases, as well as to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals.

From the point of view of folk healers, strawberries are a more wholesome berry than strawberries. But this applies only to wild berries. Considered berry crops grown in the garden, have almost the same useful and taste qualities.

Composition and calorie content

Strawberries have a very valuable composition, including B vitamins, ascorbic, citric and malic acid, pigments, carotene, natural sugars, as well as such important elements for man as iron, copper, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, manganese and cobalt.All these substances are necessary for the body to maintain its life and performance at a high level.

With all its valuable composition, strawberries have a small calorie content - only 34 kcal per 100 g, due to which the berry in question can be successfully used in the menu of losing weight and those who simply monitor their weight.

Useful properties of wild strawberries

General benefit

Strawberries are a tasty and healthy berry. Due to its rich composition, it can only have a beneficial effect on the human body. With the help of wild strawberries, you can overcome some serious diseases, including cancer, as well as improve overall health, eliminate insomnia, relieve headaches and much more.

Consider the effect of strawberries on the female and male body and find out whether the use of this berry is allowed during pregnancy and lactation, as well as young children and overweight people.

For women

Strawberries have several beneficial properties for the female body. So, it gives a hemostatic effect (which is important for heavy bleeding during menstruation), maintains an optimal level of hemoglobin, replenishes the reserves of B vitamins, as well as biotin, magnesium, copper and zinc. In the complex, the listed substances are able to positively affect the appearance of a woman. Regular consumption of strawberries makes the skin healthier, hair and nails stronger, and the mood is better.

The positive effect of eating strawberries in the process of losing weight is also proved - a problem that worries mainly women. To obtain the maximum useful properties of strawberries, you can not only eat berries inside, but also use them as an ingredient in the manufacture of masks, peels and other cosmetics.

For men

Strawberries can have a positive effect on the male body. The vitamins and other useful substances present in this berry strengthen immunity, increase the body's resistance to viruses and colds, and also regulate the emotional background, improve potency and increase libido. Thus, strawberries for men are extremely useful, its regular use will give all the positive results listed above.

Especially it is worth paying attention to strawberries to athletes and men whose work is associated with physical labor. Due to the predominantly carbohydrate composition, strawberries are able to maintain energy at an optimal level, as well as to make up for the missing vitamins, macro- and microelements.

During pregnancy

Since a pregnant woman needs more nutrients, she needs to eat vegetables, fruits and berries more often. Strawberries, due to its valuable composition, are the best suited for these purposes. However, this product is quite allergenic, and therefore the expectant mother should include it in her menu in a small amount, and also monitor the reaction of the body.

Vitamin B9 and folic acid contained in strawberries have a positive effect on the formation of the neural tube of the fetus. A large amount of iron in this berry prevents the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia - a common problem for many expectant mothers. A lot of strawberries and vitamin C, which increases the body's resistance to colds and viral diseases.

Strawberries also contain elements such as magnesium (useful for the central nervous system), potassium (prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system), riboflavin (prevents the development of malignant tumors). A sufficient amount of fiber regulates digestion, gently eliminating constipation.

Pregnant women can use not only the strawberries themselves, but also make healthy decoctions and teas based on leaves and stems. They help relieve nervous tension, stabilize mood and eliminate insomnia.

When breastfeeding

Since the baby receives all the beneficial substances through the mother’s milk, it is important to make sure that it contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.For this, a young mother should have a diverse diet, which includes only wholesome foods. Strawberries are an indispensable source of many useful substances that are extremely important for the favorable growth and development of the baby.

Strawberries contain vitamins C, folic acid, carotenoids, potassium, magnesium, iron and other substances that are important for the mother’s body and her baby. Thus, strawberries are a source of valuable substances for the body. It can and should be included in the diet during breastfeeding, observing precautions.

Berries should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother gradually, starting with 1-2 berries per day. If the baby does not manifest allergic and other reactions (rashes, impaired sleep, appetite, abdominal pain), you can increase the serving, gradually increasing to 50-100 g per day. It is important to make sure that strawberries were grown in environmentally friendly conditions, were not fertilized with chemical fertilizers and stored properly after harvesting.

For kids

Strawberries are a real storehouse of useful substances necessary for the growth and development of the children's body. Folic acid, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese - all this is necessary for a growing body. However, the introduction of strawberries into the children's diet should be careful, as this berry belongs to allergenic products. No matter how much you want to please the baby with a delicious berry, it is better to wait until he is one year old, and some pediatricians advise introducing the child to strawberries no earlier than two years of age.

When losing weight

Strawberries are a fairly low-calorie berry (about 37 kcal per 100 g), so it can be safely consumed by people who lose weight. To achieve quick weight loss results, it is recommended to eat 100-150 g of berries per day. It is best to eat strawberries in the morning, but not on an empty stomach, you can add it to cottage cheese, cereals, prepare desserts and drinks from it. Strawberries not only diversify the diet, but also replenish the supply of nutrients, which are usually not enough to lose weight due to restrictions on food.

The benefits and harms of wild strawberry leaves

Strawberry leaves are widely used in herbal medicine. It is believed that the leaves of this plant contain more nutrients than the berries themselves. So, only 2 cups of strawberry tea per day contain a daily amount of B, A, C vitamins, macroelements: potassium, magnesium, calcium, trace elements: iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc and chromium. Strawberry leaves strengthen immunity, improve digestion, remove excess fluid from the body, have a wound-healing property, and also help in the fight against many diseases.

The leaves of strawberries will not bring harm if you use teas and decoctions from it in a small amount. Only 1-2 cups of tea per day are enough to get all the beneficial properties from this plant.

What is useful leaf tea

Tea is made from strawberry leaves simply - you need to take 1 tbsp. dried leaves or 5-7 fresh, pour boiling water (300 ml) and let it brew for 20 minutes. This tea has a calming effect, has a beneficial effect on sleep quality and mood throughout the day. This tea is also able to relieve joint pain, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase hemoglobin, relieve nausea, and improve the condition of women with menstruation. Strawberry tea is useful for enhancing immunity and overall body tone.

Is dried strawberry healthy?

Strawberries can be harvested for the winter, not only in the form of preserves and compotes, but also in the form of dried fruits. Dried berries have almost the same set of beneficial properties as fresh ones. They retain the bulk of vitamins and minerals. Dried berries can be an excellent substitute for sweets for tea, as well as make up for the lack of nutrients in the cold season.

How to dry

To harvest strawberries in the form of dried fruits, you must correctly collect the berries. Harvesting is recommended in the morning, but after the dew has dried.The collected berries are freed from the stalks, the leaves, damaged specimens and other debris are removed, then washed under running water and poured onto paper to dry. After this, the berries are poured in one layer onto a clean surface and left in the fresh air until completely dried, avoiding direct sunlight.

You can dry strawberries in the oven, setting the temperature to 45-50 degrees. Berries will be ready when they stop sticking to their hands, and when pressed, they will not secrete juice.

Strawberries in medicine

Strawberries are used not only in traditional medicine, but also in traditional. Moreover, the extract of this plant is obtained both from berries, and from leaves and even roots.

With diabetes

Patients with diabetes are allowed to consume these berries in the absence of individual intolerance and other contraindications. Strawberries contain fructose and glucose, which are important for diabetics. It is allowed to use 50-100 g per day, such an amount is enough that the patient received a sufficient amount of nutrients from this berry.

Important: the glycemic index of strawberries is 25 units.

With pancreatitis

To treat pancreatitis, you can use an infusion of leaves, rhizomes and berries of strawberries. This plant has an anti-inflammatory and stimulating effect, which favorably affects the condition of patients with pancreatitis. However, before starting an independent treatment of pancreatic disease, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

With gastritis

Patients with gastritis can eat strawberries, but some precautionary rules should be followed. So, it is forbidden to eat berries on an empty stomach and separately from other products, it is better to add them to dishes, cook desserts and compotes with strawberries. The acute form of the course of the disease, as well as gastritis with high acidity, is a taboo for eating almost all fresh berries. If gastritis is in remission, the use of strawberries in an amount of not more than 50-100 g per day is allowed.

With gout

Since wild strawberries are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, it is recommended to eat it for people with a disease such as gout. Not only the berries themselves, but also decoctions of leaves, roots and stems help to cope with the symptoms of gout and even conquer this disease, provided that berries and strawberry extracts are regularly consumed.

For the liver

In the treatment of diseases of the liver and gall bladder, strawberries can be used. To prepare a folk medicine for liver diseases, you need to take 2 tbsp. dry crushed strawberry leaves, pour them with a glass of boiling water and insist for 2-3 hours. Take the composition three times a day for a tablespoon.

Strawberries in cosmetology

The fruits, leaves and roots of strawberries are used in cosmetology for the manufacture of various skin and hair care products. Consider the most effective ways to use strawberries in cosmetology.

For face

1. With strawberry juice, pigment spots and freckles can be removed. It is not necessary to make the juice directly from the berries, it is enough to take a few strawberries and rub their face with them, and after 15-20 minutes, wash with warm water.
2. You can tone and refresh your face with frozen strawberry juice. To do this, pour freshly squeezed strawberry juice into an ice mold and freeze it, then take one cube and wipe it with your face.
3. Mask “nourishing” for the face: take cotton wool or gauze, folded in several layers, moisten with strawberry juice and apply to the face. After 20-30 minutes, remove the mask and wash your face with cool water.
4. Thin and sensitive skin needs special care. For this type of skin, the following mask is suitable: 2 tsp. strawberry juice, 1 tsp. mix honey and fat cottage cheese, apply on face, hold for 15-20 minutes and rinse.
5. Mask for dry skin: strawberries (1 tablespoon), mashed, add 1 tablespoon oily sour cream and a few drops of coconut oil. Apply the composition to the skin of the face, hold for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.

For hair

1. A nourishing hair mask based on strawberries is prepared as follows: 3 tbsp. turn the berries into mashed potatoes, add 1 tbsp. blue clay, one yolk, mix everything thoroughly, apply on curls along the entire length, wrap with plastic wrap and warm with a towel. After half an hour, rinse thoroughly with water and shampoo.
2. Wellness hair mask: 3 tbsp. beer mixed with 2 tbsp. mashed strawberries and one yolk, apply to hair, hold for 20-30 minutes, then wash your hair as usual.
3. Mask for damaged hair: mix mashed berries and fat cream in equal proportions, apply to the curls along the entire length, wash your hair in half an hour.
4. From split ends, a mask based on strawberries, gelatin (diluted according to the instructions on the package) and your favorite hair balm is suitable. Mix all the ingredients, apply to the hair, paying special attention to the tips, rinse after half an hour.
5. Mask for hair growth: mix 2 tbsp. Strawberry puree and burdock oil, heat in a water bath to a warm state and apply on curls, carefully rubbing into the roots. Keep this mask for 30-40 minutes, and then rinse with water.

Harm and contraindications

Strawberries are a fairly allergenic berry, therefore, it can be consumed only if there is no individual intolerance to its components. It is also necessary to observe the measure in eating this berry in order to avoid digestive upset. An adult needs only 1 cup of berries per day, children - no more than 0.5 cup.

Contraindications to the use of strawberries are associated with the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are in the acute stage. Also, with caution, you should eat strawberries for diabetes, and while taking certain drugs before use, it is better to consult a doctor.

When to harvest and how to store strawberries

Strawberries ripen, as a rule, already in the first summer month, but in some cases this period can vary. So, climatic conditions, place of growth, type of culture and other factors (weather, soil moisture, etc.) affect the rate of ripening. The average time frame for ripening strawberries is in the period from July to August. However, there is a repair berry variety, the crop of which is harvested right up to the first frost.

Is it possible to freeze

Like many other berries, strawberries are suitable for freezing. It can be frozen both whole and grated with sugar, as well as mixed with other types of berries - strawberries, blueberries, currants, etc. You can store frozen strawberries for 12-18 months, during this period of time it is able to preserve almost all useful substances .

How to eat strawberries

The best way to consume wild strawberries is fresh, freshly picked in the forest or from the garden. Of course, before you eat the berries, they must be thoroughly washed under running water. You can also use strawberries as part of desserts, drinks and other dishes. However, it is advisable not to heat this berry, as in doing so it loses part of its beneficial properties.

How much can you eat per day

Since strawberries are quite allergenic, it is recommended to eat it in limited quantities. Adults can eat 100-150 g of berries per day, children only 50 g. Excessive consumption of berries can provoke allergies and digestive disorders.

Can I eat at night

Strawberries are not advisable to eat at night for those who want to lose weight, since this berry contains a fairly large amount of carbohydrates that prevent weight loss. Also, do not eat strawberries for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In other cases, you can use this berry at any time of the day, if it does not bring uncomfortable sensations.

What can be prepared from strawberries: recipes

Strawberries can be eaten not only as a separate treat, but also to cook various dishes with it, as well as make preparations for the winter. Consider the most popular methods of harvesting strawberries.

Jam

The most common way to harvest strawberries is to jam. From generation to generation, a classic recipe for cooking strawberry jam is passed on: for 1 kg of berries, you need to take 1.2 kg of sugar and a pinch of citric acid. Rinse strawberries. Remove excess water, cover with half sugar and leave for 5 hours until the berries give juice. Then put on the stove and bring to a boil. Add the remaining sugar and cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and removing the foam. At the very end of cooking, add citric acid to avoid jamming of jam during long-term storage. Pour the jam into dry, clean and sterilized jars and seal.

Compote

To make compote from strawberries for the winter you will need to take 1 kg of berries, 1 liter of water and 250 g of sugar. First you need to prepare the banks, having washed them thoroughly and sterilized. Then sort through and wash the berries, slightly dry and transfer to jars. Pour boiling water over the containers and cover. After 10-15 minutes, drain the water into the pan. Add sugar and boil the syrup. Pour the boiled berries into the jars, twist, turn on the lids and wrap them with a blanket. Leave in this condition overnight, then put in a dark, cool place to store. Compote prepared according to this recipe can be stored for a year.

Wine

From strawberries, a tasty and aromatic wine of red-pink color is obtained. It will be a great addition to dinner, and also make up for the lack of certain substances in the body. You can make wine from strawberries according to the recipe below.

The collected strawberries (4 kg) must be sorted, washed in warm water (this will relieve them of bitterness), prepare containers (wash, dry), prepare sugar syrup: boil 2 liters of water and 1 kg of sugar for 3-5 minutes on a weak the fire. After this, cool the syrup a little, add the berries, 1 liter of cold water, 100 g of unwashed raisins (this will work the wine). Cover the container with gauze and place in a dark place for 5 days, stirring twice a day.

When the wort is fermented, drain the liquid through a tube, squeeze the pulp, add 500 g of sugar and pour into jars, filling them in 75%. Wear medical gloves with a small puncture in each container, leave for fermentation at a temperature of 18–20 degrees for 5 days. Then add another 500 g of sugar, close again and leave for 55 days (it may take 30 to 60 days). Pour the finished wine through a tube in a container and leave for aging for another 1-2 months. After that, the wine will be finally ready for consumption. If a precipitate has formed, the wine needs to be poured again through a straw.

Is it possible to give strawberries to animals

Some pets may eat fruits, vegetables, and berries. Strawberries, as a rule, are loved by some dogs, cats and rabbits.It is allowed to give strawberries to animals, but in a small amount, since their digestive system is almost not able to digest such products. Just 3-5 berries a day for a large dog, or 1-2 for a cat or guinea pig, is enough to fill up the missing reserves of nutrients in the body of a pet.

It should be noted that some domestic animals - rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, can be given not only the berries themselves, but also strawberry leaves. Just a few leaves a day are enough to replenish the supply of nutrients.

Interesting facts about wild strawberries

1. Strawberries began to be cultivated only at the end of the 15th century, although this plant was known to man in ancient times. Until this time, people collected and ate only wild strawberries.
2. Today, about 600 different varieties of strawberries are known.
3. Strawberries are able to relieve headaches, since it contains substances similar to analgin.
4. From a scientific point of view, strawberries and apple trees are related plants.
5. Strawberries - this is just one of the varieties of strawberries, although it has long been accepted that these are different berries.
6. Wild strawberries can grow in the garden, but its berries and leaves will change slightly over time, namely, they will become larger.
7. Most of all, strawberries are loved in Belgium. The largest volumes of this berry are grown in this country.
8. Strawberries are not able to grow and bear fruit in the same place for more than five years. Wild varieties migrate on their own with the help of a mustache;

Photo wild strawberries