Strawberry season is one of the most expected summer events. This bright and fragrant berry is not only delicious but also extremely useful. However, according to a dietitian Maria Sifulin, it is necessary to use it wisely-especially people with certain chronic diseases, children and diabetics. In a comment to the UNIAN, the expert explained in detail what strawberries are useful when buying it and to whom it is categorically contraindicated.
Strawberry is a source of vitamin C, which strengthens blood vessels, improves skin condition and maintains immunity. The berry also contains antioxidants that fight inflammatory processes and slow down aging, folic acid - important for hematopoiesis, and fiber that improves digestion.
Strawberry has an average glycemic index (32) and low carbohydrate content (less than 8 g per 100 g), so it can be carefully included in the diet even in diabetes. According to Sifulina, diabetics are allowed up to 150 g of strawberries a day, but only after a full meal with proteins and vegetables - this will avoid glucose jumps in the blood.
This berry is a rather allergenic product, so it is better for people with known allergy to red berries. In addition, with gastritis, ulcer or exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases, strawberries can worsen the condition-due to the presence of small grains and organic acids, which irritate the mucous membrane.
For children under 1 year of age, 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 thermally treated berries - in the form of jelly or compote. And from 1 to 3 years, 1-3 berries are allowed a day, and only in the absence of allergic reactions. In older age (about 6 years) - up to 100 g per day, but again, moderation is the main rule.
For healthy adults, 150-250 grams of strawberries per day. And during the season you can eat up to 10 kg if you distribute it evenly for several weeks. The best time to eat is the first half of the day: for breakfast or as a dessert after lunch. Berries can be given as a snack between meals - for example, with nuts or seeds.
The safest thing is to eat the berry in its natural season, from mid -May to the end of June. It is then that strawberries reach without excess nitrates and growth stimulants. The extra -season berry, especially imported, may contain more chemicals, so it should either be avoided or carefully treated.
To reduce the content of chemistry, the berry should not only be washed, but also soaked in water for 10-15 minutes - this will help to remove some of the unwanted substances from the surface.
