Strawberries are the "dirtiest fruit"? Why do experts recommend eating them? The truth is...

This article was reviewed by Pa Li Ze, chief physician of nutrition, member of the Science Popularization Committee of the Chinese Nutrition Society

Strawberry is known as the "first fruit of spring". It is not only attractive in appearance and sweet and sour in taste, but also high in vitamin C.

But there is a rumor that strawberries are the "dirtiest fruit". Is this really true? Why do nutrition experts praise them so highly? Let's take a look at the truth.

Are strawberries the “dirtiest fruit”?

Some tests have found that strawberries have the most types of pesticide residues, but this does not mean that the amount of pesticide residues in strawberries is high.

It is inevitable that there will be some low-toxic or slightly toxic pesticide residues on the fruits and vegetables we eat daily, but whether the pesticide residues are harmful to health depends on the amount ingested.

Copyrighted images from the gallery, unauthorized reproduction, please contact the original author

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission and other departments have set minimum standards for pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables on the market. As long as they are within the standard range, they generally will not cause harm to the human body.

Rinse for more than 30 seconds and most of the pesticide residues on the strawberries will be washed away, so you can eat the strawberries with confidence!

6 benefits of strawberries for your body

1. Vitamin C supplement

Strawberries contain a variety of vitamins, including a rich source of vitamin C, 47 mg/100 g. Eating 10 strawberries a day can meet an adult's daily vitamin C intake needs. Sufficient vitamin C helps prevent scurvy, bleeding gums and osteoporosis.

2. Protect your heart

Strawberries contain folic acid, which is good for heart health. Eating strawberries regularly can help reduce the risk of high blood lipids and vascular inflammation. Several studies have shown that people with low folic acid levels in their bodies have an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

3. Helps people with diabetes delay the occurrence of complications

The glycemic index of strawberries is 29, which makes them a low GI fruit. They are suitable for people with diabetes and will not increase blood sugar levels if consumed in moderation. Strawberries are also rich in dietary fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and help control blood sugar to a certain extent.

Therefore, eating strawberries can help delay the occurrence of complications for diabetic patients when their blood sugar levels are stable, but the amount consumed should also be controlled.

Copyrighted images from the gallery, unauthorized reproduction, please contact the original author

4. Prevent premature brain aging

Anthocyanins in berries such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries can protect the brain from damage by free radicals and act as an antioxidant. Eating berry fruits regularly can help slow down brain aging phenomena such as cognitive decline.

5. Protect your eyes

Strawberries have many functions, such as maintaining normal night vision and protecting the skin. Strawberries are rich in beta-carotene, which is an important raw material for synthesizing vitamin A.

6. Prevent constipation

Most of the seeds on the surface of strawberries are insoluble fiber. People who often have constipation problems due to insufficient dietary fiber are very suitable to eat strawberries. For those with weak stomachs, frequent diarrhea, and even those who want to go to the bathroom after drinking cold water, it is recommended not to eat too many strawberries.

How to choose strawberries?

1. Bright red color

2. Bright green leaves

3. Small seeds are uniform

4. No damage or decay

It is not the case that bigger strawberries are tastier. Big strawberries have a lighter taste. Therefore, strawberries that are bigger than quail eggs and have a ruddy color taste better.

How to wash strawberries?

1. Rinse with running water for 30 seconds

2. Soak in clean water for 5 minutes

3. Remove the strawberry stems

Copyrighted images from the gallery, unauthorized reproduction, please contact the original author

Be careful not to remove the strawberry stems before washing, because if the stemmed strawberries are soaked in water, harmful substances will enter the fruit with the water and cause pollution.

How to store strawberries?

The best storage temperature for strawberries is 0℃～10℃.

If you cannot finish the strawberries you bought in one go, you can put a layer of paper towel on a plate, put the strawberries on it, seal it with plastic wrap or a sealed bag, and put it in the refrigerator.

As long as they are not exposed to water and are well sealed, they can generally be stored for 3 to 4 days. If the strawberries are of good quality, they can be stored for about 5 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, it is recommended to put them in the freezer of the refrigerator and store them as frozen strawberries.

Source: CCTV Life Circle (ID:cctvshzck2013)

Original reviewer: Shi Wenli, deputy director and nutritionist of Beijing Boai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center

The pictures in this article with the "Science Popularization China" watermark are all from the copyright gallery. The pictures are not authorized for reprinting.