With their bright red color, juicy texture, and sweet flavor, strawberries are a well-loved fruit all over the world. But have you ever tried forest strawberries? These wild berries, also known as woodland strawberries, are not as widely available as their cultivated cousins, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch.
In this article, we will discuss the anti-inflammatory benefits of forest strawberries, their effects on bone health, nutritional values, and how to incorporate them into your diet. We will also share an anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe that incorporates this nutritious fruit.
What Are Forest Strawberries?
Forest strawberries, or woodland strawberries, are a type of wild strawberry that grows throughout Europe and Asia, as well as in some parts of North America. They are smaller than cultivated strawberries, about the size of a thumbnail, and have a bright red color and a delicate, slightly tart flavor.
Nutritional Values
Forest strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can benefit your health in numerous ways. According to the US Nutritional Database, 1 cup of raw forest strawberries (149g) contains:
- 49 calories
- 7g of sugar
- 3g of fiber
- 1g of protein
- 149% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C
- 5% of the RDI of vitamin A
- 4% of the RDI of iron
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is a natural response of your immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Luckily, forest strawberries are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in your body.
One of the key anti-inflammatory compounds in forest strawberries is ellagic acid. This antioxidant has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines in the body, as well as reduce the activity of enzymes that promote inflammation.
Additionally, the flavonoids in forest strawberries have been found to reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body and reduce oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to chronic inflammation.
Effects on Bone Health
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, forest strawberries can also benefit your bone health. One cup of forest strawberries contains about 149% of the RDI of vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production. Collagen is a type of protein that forms the basis of your bones, skin, and other connective tissues.
Additionally, forest strawberries contain significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential minerals for strong bones.
Food Combining Information
Forest strawberries are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they pair well with both sweet and savory flavors.
To get the most nutritional benefits from forest strawberries, it is best to eat them alone or with other low-sugar fruits. When combined with high-sugar fruits or processed foods, the sugar in forest strawberries can interfere with their anti-inflammatory effects.
Anti-Inflammatory Forest Strawberry Smoothie Recipe
Looking for a tasty and nutritious way to incorporate forest strawberries into your diet? Try this anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of forest strawberries
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
This smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit your health in numerous ways.
Conclusion
Whether you eat them fresh or incorporate them into your favorite recipes, forest strawberries are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can benefit your health in numerous ways. With their anti-inflammatory properties, effects on bone health, and high levels of vitamins and minerals, these wild berries are worth seeking out.
If you love anti-inflammatory fruits, check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon!