The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming and the strawberry vines are producing fruit, which means that spring has finally arrived. In fact, these berries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring, which explains why May is National Strawberry Month. To celebrate, here are nine surprising facts about these luscious, nutrient-packed berries that will sweeten your love for this versatile fruit:
1. They’re a superfruit.
Not only do strawberries provide fiber, potassium, folate and antioxidants, but they also contain several bioactive compounds (called flavonoids) that are known to help protect against chronic diseases. Plus, these little red gems pack in more vitamin C than an orange — about 160 percent of your daily requirement — in a single serving. That serving (eight berries or 1 cup) also contains just 50 calories and is low in naturally-occurring sugar. That’s pretty darn super.
[See: The Best Berries for Your Health.]
2. They can do wonders for your heart.
Strawberries have been shown to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, thanks to their ability to lower LDL cholesterol, inflammation and blood pressure. In fact, one study with middle-aged women reported that those who ate at least three servings per week of anthocyanin-rich strawberries (as well as blueberries) reduced their risk of a heart attack by more than 30 percent. The reason: Researchers believe that the combination of vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium and flavonoids contribute to the cardiovascular benefits of this heart-shaped fruit.
3. Each one is covered with hundreds of seeds.
Those tiny bumps on the outside of strawberries are seeds — otherwise known as the plant’s ovaries — and they make strawberries one of the only fruits to have seeds on their exterior. On average, each berry contains 200 seeds, which contributes more fiber to this already fiber-rich treat.
4. They can whittle your waistline.
In a study out of Harvard’s public health school with more than 124,000 health professionals, researchers found that participants who ate the most flavonoid-rich diets gained the least amount of weight over time. Since plenty of other studies show that people who eat more fruits and veggies weigh less and have smaller waistlines, you may want to add this low-cal, high-fiber berry to your everyday eating plan.
[See: 10 Healthy Habits of the ‘Naturally’ Thin.]
5. They’re versatile.
Strawberries and cream? Strawberry shortcake? Whether you enjoy them on their own or on top of a stack of pancakes, there’s no denying that these juicy and naturally-sweet berries make everything taste better. Even kids are usually drawn to them. Need ideas? Dip strawberries in chocolate, toss them in salads, add them to peanut butter sandwiches, mix them into salsa, blend them into smoothies or use them as topping on everything from yogurt to waffles. Try one of my favorite skinny and fresh desserts: strawberry cheesecakes bites.
6. They’re all-American.
Now here’s yet another reason to salute the flag: The United States grows more strawberries than any other country, with an annual production of about 3 billion pounds! While these berries grow in all 50 states, California’s coastal conditions — cool evenings and sunny, warm days — make it the preferred climate for growing delicious strawberries, which explains why 90 percent of the U.S. crop is grown in the Golden State. (FYI: Florida ranks as the second-largest producing state in the union.)
7. They can lower blood sugar.
Say goodbye to soaring insulin when you say hello to strawberries because the fruit’s bioactive flavonoids may help keep your blood sugars in check. In fact, studies show that eating strawberries before a sugar-rich meal can dampen the blood sugar response from food — a reaction that is thought to be one of the primary ways that strawberries help reduce one’s risk of developing insulin resistance, as well as Type 2 diabetes.
8. They help keep your mind sharp.
Antioxidant-rich strawberries may help keep your brain mentally fit — even as you age. Numerous studies have found that when animals are fed strawberry supplements, they improve their spatial orientation, memory and cognition. Investigators involved in other studies have identified specific flavonoids in the fruit that may help prevent memory loss. And while further research is necessary, mounting evidence already suggests that these sweet and tasty berries may help reduce risk of age-related declines in memory.
[See: 9 Foods That Can Keep Your Brain Sharp.]
9. They store best with their leaves intact.
If you don’t gobble down an entire package of fresh berries all at once (no judgment: I’ve eaten a basket of strawberries on my way home from the farmers market on numerous occasions), you’ll want to store them in the refrigerator in their original container (just make sure to remove any moldy berries). Also, to retain their freshness, don’t wash or remove their green caps before storing. Save the washing for when you’re about to pop them into your mouth.
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9 Surprising Facts About Strawberries originally appeared on usnews.com
