About Strawberries

Most popular berry fruit in the world
Should be eaten 3-4 times per week to achieve maximum health benefits
At peak April-July
Considered to have highest health-promoting antioxidants among all fruits
Retain maximum amount of nutrients when enjoyed fresh and not cooked. Vitamins and antioxidants are unable to withstand high temperatures

Nutrient Profile

Phytonutrients
Vitamin C
Manganese
Dietary fiber
Iodine
Folate
Copper
Potassium
Biotin
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Vitamin B6
Omega-3 fatty acids

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular benefits
Blood Sugar benefits
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

Selection and Storage

Very perishable; should only be purchased a few days prior to use.

Choose berries that are firm, plump, free of mold and which have a shiny, deep red color with attached green caps. Full ripe berries will not only have the peak flavor and texture, but they will have more nutrients.

Studies show 2 days as the maximal time for strawberry storage without major loss of vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants.

Since very perishable, strawberries should not be washed until right before eating.

Individual Health Concerns

Strawberries are at the top of fruits on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found. Individuals wanting to avoid pesticide risks will want to consume organically grown.

Strawberries are among a small number of foods that contain measurable amounts of oxalates. When oxalates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can crystallize and cause health problems. Individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating strawberries. Oxalates may also interfere with absorption of calcium from the body.

Here’s a delicious recipe for you!

Strawberry & Feta Salad

Ingredients:

Your favorite mixed greens
2 cups quartered strawberries
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Salad Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
3 Tablespoons your favorite vinegar
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. dijon mustard
1.5 - 2 Tablespoons your favorite healthy sweetner (I use raw honey)
1 tsp. poppy seeds

Combine the dressing together. Combine all of the salad ingredients together. Dress with the dressing. Enjoy!

I truly hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps you live a healthier life. I would absolutely love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and family!

Lots of love,

Judith

This year we have launched an exciting collaboration with Soul Food Salon. Each week, we feature a delicious, seasonal, and nutritious ingredient. We not only tell you a bit about it and all of the nutrition it represents, but also we provide you with a recipe so you can cook it at home. Please share pictures of your meals on Instagram using the hashtag #SoulFoodSalon. Follow us at @JudithDuval and @SoulFoodSalon. We can’t wait to learn and cook with you!

As a new mom, I daydream of the days I could just make an appointment for a massage and without much planning, head on over. With a newborn at home, that’s a bit harder. Getting bodywork is important for me as I tend to experience upper back pain if I spend too many hours hunched over a desk working (I try to avoid this by taking breaks, but sometimes it happens!). Yet securing a couple of hours away from home has gotten trickier. That’s why my acupressure mat is a lifesaver these days, and why I just remembered to share this with you all. I’m pretty sure you guys will fall in love with it as well.

Here’s a pretty cool video describing the mat in case you can’t visualize how it works.

The mat works similar to acupuncture, with the pressure of the nails helping release endorphins (which provide joy, energy, and pain relief) and oxytocin (which make you feel calm and relaxed). I started using it a few years ago and adore it. I feel relief just taking it out to use it, knowing what’s coming once I do. And no need to worry, the "nails" are made of plastic. Here’s a rundown of most of its benefits:

Relieves the following pain:
- Lower, mid, and upper back pain
- Neck pain (if you use the neck option)
- Nerve pain
- Shoulder pain
Relieves headaches and migraines
Relieves stiff neck
Stimulates blood and improves circulation
Stress reliever
Helps reduce insomnia
Improves sleep quality
Increases energy levels
It has great relaxation benefits:
- Helps with healing
- Wonderful to meditate on (once you get used to it!)
- Deepens any relaxation state

The best part? This is so much cheaper than getting routine massages. So maybe I can’t get body work often with my new life, but at least I’m saving money! This particular mat has some impressive claims: 98% of participants reported pain relief, 96% reported relaxation, 94% reported improved sleep, and 81% reported an increase in energy levels. Pretty cool.

I hope this article is of service to you. I would absolutely love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this post, share it with your friends and family!