Strawberry season is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. This bright and fragrant berry is not only delicious, but also extremely healthy. However, as nutritionist Maria Saifullina warns, it should be consumed wisely - especially for people with certain chronic diseases, children and diabetics. In a comment for UNIAN, the expert explained in detail what strawberries are good for, when it is better to buy them and to whom they are categorically contraindicated.
Strawberries are a source of vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels, improves skin condition, and supports immunity. The berry also contains antioxidants that fight inflammation and slow down aging, folic acid, which is important for blood formation, and fiber, which improves digestion.
Strawberries have a medium glycemic index (32) and a low carbohydrate content (less than 8 g per 100 g), so they can be carefully included in the diet even with diabetes. According to Saifullina, diabetics are allowed up to 150 g of strawberries per day, but only after a full meal with proteins and vegetables - this will avoid spikes in blood glucose.
This berry is quite an allergenic product, so people with a known allergy to red berries should avoid it. In addition, strawberries can worsen the condition of gastritis, ulcers, or exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases - due to the presence of small seeds and organic acids, which irritate the mucous membrane.
For children under 1 year old, it is better not to give fresh strawberries - both because of the risk of allergies and because of the immature digestive system. From 8–12 months, you can try heat-treated berries - in the form of jelly or compote. And from 1 to 3 years old, 1–3 berries are allowed per day, and only in the absence of allergic reactions. At an older age (about 6 years old) - up to 100 g per day, but again, moderation is the main rule.
For healthy adults, the optimal amount is 150–250 grams of strawberries per day. And during the season, you can eat up to 10 kg, if you distribute it evenly over several weeks. The best time to eat is in the morning: at breakfast or as a dessert after lunch. Children can be given the berry as a snack between meals - for example, with nuts or seeds.
It is safest to eat the berry in its natural season, from mid-May to late June. This is when strawberries ripen without excessive amounts of nitrates and growth stimulants. Out-of-season berries, especially imported ones, may contain more chemicals, so they should either be avoided or handled carefully.
To reduce the chemical content, the berry should not just be washed, but also soaked in water for 10–15 minutes - this will help remove some of the unwanted substances from the surface.
