STRAWBERRIES - Brandi McCarthy-Keays

We all know and love strawberries as a sweet and delicious summer treat, a fruit that for a lot of us turned (or still turns) the pure white milk in our cereal a fun and sweet pink colour! What you probably never knew is that pink colour is one of the things that makes strawberries so good for you! Strawberries are loaded with a wide variety of natural chemical compounds called phytonutrients that give fruit and veggies their distinct colors, it’s these phytonutrients (anthocyanins in particular) that give strawberries its bright and beautiful red color – but what does that do for us? These phytonutrients serve as potent antioxidants that have repeatedly been shown to help protect cell structures in the body and to prevent free radical damage in all of the body's organ systems. Free radicals are elements that can damage cells, and they are thought to contribute to the formation of many kinds of cancer. In a recent study, strawberries topped a list of eight foods most linked to lower rates of cancer deaths among a group of over 1,000 elderly people. (Free radical damage can also increase our risk of cardiovascular diseases and lead to premature aging!)

Not only are strawberries topping the list for their impressive number of cancer fighting phytonutrients, they also deliver well over 100% of you daily vitamin C in only 1 cup. They are also a great source of manganese, iodine, folate, and magnesium as well as vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper and vitamin K. If you needed any more reasons to load up on strawberries, they are also a great source of fiber, delivering 3.5gm for every cup. Getting the daily recommended dose of 25-35 gms of fiber a day can reduce cholesterol levels, decrease your risk of cardiovascular diseases and reduce your risk of certain cancers, including colon cancer.

Phew! Who knew those sweet delicious berries that turn your milk pink had such a huge impact on your health! Why not stock up on extra and throw them in the freezer to enjoy their delicious health benefits all winter long! Check out the recipes page for delicious ideas on how you can incorporate one of summer’s healthiest fruits into your diet!

EASY STRAWBERRY YOGURT FREEZE POPS - Brandi McCarthy-Keays

Kid’s and adults alike will love these much healthier version of a summer popsicle! They are great at barbecues as a delicious cool down treat or after dinner dessert. You can make them with almost any fruit, but strawberries and raspberries are my particular favorite!

•1 ½ cups strawberries

•2 tbsps honey

•1 cup plain yogurt (2-4.5% fat works best)

Puree the berries in a blender with the honey (add a little water or yogurt if needed). Mix in yogurt by hand until well blended and then pour in to “popsicle” forms and freeze! They also work well poured into small cups and eaten with a spoon once frozen. To remove the pops from the mold, dip the form into a bit of hot water just to loosen the off the sides and pull out gently.

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