By California Strawberry Commission, Special for USDR
Today, nearly 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes causes more deaths in the U.S. per year than breast cancer or AIDS combined, according to the American Diabetes Association. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and American Diabetes Month and a good time to remind consumers that studies show adding strawberries to the daily diet may improve cognitive function and help diabetes.
Strawberries & Cognitive Function
New research conducted at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University and presented to the Society for Neuroscience revealed that strawberries might effectively combat age-related cognitive decline. In clinical studies, USDA researchers demonstrated that supplementing older adults’ diets with about two cups a day of strawberries could improve cognition even in the absence of neurological dysfunction.
Strawberries & Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) identifies berries, including strawberries, as one of the top ten superfoods for a diabetes meal plan because they are low in sugar (just 7g), calories (just 45 calories), packed with vitamins (more vitamin C per serving than an orange), antioxidants and dietary fiber (3g).
Additional clinical research suggests that eating a serving of eight medium strawberries a day may improve heart health and reduce the risk of some cancers. When added up, strawberries provide a nutritious boost for the entire body. Eating eight strawberries a day is a good habit to develop to improve overall health and guard against disease.
As one of the most versatile fruits – and a delight for the taste buds – strawberries are easy to enjoy daily just as they are, or in a variety of simple, savory or sweet recipes.
Smoothies are a simple way to add eight fresh or frozen strawberries to the daily diet. This Straw-berry Good Smoothie, developed by registered dietitian, Sylvia Klinger is an easy go-to recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Straw-BERRY Good Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup California strawberries
1 cup low fat milk
3 tablespoons frozen grape juice concentrate
1/2 cup low fat vanilla or blueberry yogurt
Directions
Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Garnish with sliced strawberries and a mint sprig, if desired.
Diabetes Exchanges: Fruit 2.5, Low-Fat Milk 2.75
Total Preparation Time: 5 minutes
For more information on California strawberries, as well as creative and inspiring recipes, please visit http://www.californiastrawberries.com and http://www.heartoffarmers.com/.
For the latest nutrition news on strawberries, visit: http://www.strawberrynutritionnews.com/
About California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency located in Northern California charged with conducting research to support California’s strawberry industry. With an emphasis on sustainable farming practices, the commission works with strategic partners focusing on production and nutrition research, food safety training and education, marketing and communications, trade relations and public policy.
SOURCE California Strawberry Commission
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