Fresh Frozen Organic Heirloom Strawberries

Fresh Frozen Organic Heirloom Strawberries

We are proud of our delicious organically grown heirloom strawberries, cultivated and harvested right near us in our home state of Washington. Once harvested, they are immediately flash frozen to retain their full flavor, aroma, and nutritional value.

Strawberries are not only sweet, juicy, and delicious, they are nutritional powerhouses packed with surprising health benefits. They deliver a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, along with very low levels of sodium, fat, and cholesterol.

In fact, just one serving (about eight berries) provides more vitamin C than one orange!

At the same time, they are also among the top 20 high-antioxidant fruits, with the primary antioxidant being anthocyanin, which gives strawberries their red color. These antioxidants provide protection to cells from oxidative damage. Strawberries are also a good source of important minerals including potassium, manganese, calcium, iron, folate and magnesium. Eating strawberries is one sweet way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As a bonus, the organically grown strawberries provided by Northwest Wild Foods are free of the pesticides and chemicals used to cultivate non-organically grown strawberries.

Health Benefits

Strawberries contain a very special antioxidant, called Ellagic acid, an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects. Ellagic acid has been shown to prevent or slow down the progression of certain chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline and diabetes. This antioxidant also has protective properties for the liver, kidneys, skin, and other organs.

Promotes Heart Health

High triglyceride levels increase the risk of heart disease. When triglycerides break down, they leave byproducts that trigger inflammation, attracting sticky deposits to blood-vessel walls. That material can clog arteries (atherosclerosis) but eating a pound of strawberries a day may reduce triglyceride levels by 20%.

Strawberries are also rich in antioxidants and contain high levels of potassium, which also acts to lower sodium levels. Together, these nutrients reduce the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. Strawberries may also improve blood platelet function. They are also a good source of vitamin C and folate, two critical nutrients for heart health. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, strawberries are a delicious way to protect your cardiovascular system.

Further supporting this was a 2013 study from Harvard of nearly 100,000 young and middle-aged women found that eating at least three servings a week of strawberries reduced the risk of heart attack by 32 percent.

Improves Gut Health

Fiber plays an essential role in maintaining intestinal health. At three grams of fiber in a one-cup serving, strawberries are an excellent source.

Strawberries also serve as a prebiotic. That means you feed "good" gut bacteria when you eat them. Researchers have found that a healthy gut microbiome can help your body use antioxidants better, and lower inflammation.

Supports Brain Function

Plant compounds called flavonoids in strawberries may help to offset inflammation in the brain and delay age-related memory loss potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s

in older adults.

In addition, potassium, which is also present in strawberries, has been linked to improved cognitive function by encouraging blood flow to the brain.

According to a study published in December 2019 Nutrients, “Eating (berries) more than twice a week, appears to delay cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years”. A related study by

The Rush Memory and Aging Project showed that people who ate strawberries were 34 % less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Lower Risk of Cancer

Strawberries contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have the power to fight cancer and oxidative stress. These flavonoids, including anthocyanins, act as a defensive line against the development of cancer and growth of tumors.

Studies suggest that the regular consumption of strawberries is connected with a drastic reduction in metastasis of cancer cells as well.

Improves Blood Sugar Levels and Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

The polyphenols in strawberries improve insulin sensitivity in nondiabetic adults. Not only are strawberries low in sugar themselves, but they may also help metabolize other forms of glucose which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. They have a low glycemic index (GI) that slows the rise in blood sugar that typically occurs following a meal.

Strawberries protect against elevated blood sugar levels by reducing the uptake and transport of glucose in the intestines.

Eases Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Strawberries reduce inflammation for people living with osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes significant pain during flare-ups.

In one study, adults who ate 50 grams of strawberries each day for 24 weeks had less pain and inflammation. In general, these are considered some of the most anti-inflammatory fruits available.

Promotes Wound Healing

Most adults require between 75 and 90 milligrams of vitamin C per day. With about 90 milligrams of vitamin C per cup, strawberries are one of the best sources of this potent antioxidant.

Vitamin C is a precursor to collagen, a structural component of skin. Since we cannot produce or store vitamin C, it must be consumed through food daily. Getting enough vitamin C provides the building blocks to repair injuries and heal wounds.

Help Prevent Birth Defects and Post-partum Depression.

Getting enough folic acid is crucial when pregnant since the vitamin can help prevent defects to the baby’s neural tube (the foundational brain and spinal structure), which can result in anencephaly and spina bifida. Strawberries are a good source of folate, at 10 percent of your daily recommended intake.

Folate also prevents postpartum depression in new mothers. Symptoms of PPD include low energy, extreme sadness, irritability, anxiety, and in extreme cases, dementia. Folate prevents the formation of excess homocysteine in the body, which is known to disrupt the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Improves Cholesterol Levels

Strawberries lower triglycerides as well as total and LDL cholesterol. LDL is the "bad" kind of cholesterol. A recent study of adults with high cholesterol found that eating 2.5 servings of strawberries per day for four weeks lowered LDL cholesterol levels.

Strengthens Immune System

Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing; and it may prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections too. Research shows that vitamin C increases the production of

T-cells, which remove infected and cancerous cells; and B-cells, which create antibodies to protect against future infections.

Alleviates Allergy Symptoms

Since strawberries deliver immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, they are a great weapon against allergies. They contain a special anti-allergy flavonoid called fisetin, which helps the body’s immune cells control inflammatory reactions to allergens.

Enjoy Your Strawberries

Add strawberries to sweeten yogurt, cottage cheese, and hot or cold cereals. Blend frozen strawberries into smoothies, or chop fresh strawberries for salads, side dishes, or salsas. Their sweet taste and plump texture make a great addition to desserts and baked goods (like strawberry short cake). Strawberries are also delicious dippers; dip them into whipped cream or dark chocolate for a sweet, fiber-rich treat. And do not forget peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches!

The Bottom Line….

Strawberries are among the top 10 fruits with the highest antioxidant content. Although strawberry is a popular flavor or ingredient in a plethora of prepared foods, it is best eaten raw if you wish to make most of its health benefits.

A constant serving of strawberries daily is an effective tool in the prevention of numerous ailments including arthritis and hypertension. It is also beneficial in pregnancy and diabetes management. Don’t miss out on all this super fruit has to offer, with delicious taste as a bonus!

Northwest Wild Foods will ship this super flavorful and health-boosting food to you in the best way possible: organically grown and fresh frozen.

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