Four reasons to tuck into strawberries

THE recent warm and sunny weather means strawberry season has begun a little early this year, and homegrown ones are now on sale.

They not only taste delicious but pack a health boost too:

1 A PORTION CONTAINS MORE VITAMIN C THAN AN ORANGE

“STRAWBERRIES provide a daily vitamin C boost, and contain more vitamin C than oranges,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire, British Summer Fruits public health nutritionist. “Just seven strawberries provide the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system, along with the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.”

2 THEY CAN HELP TREAT PUFFY EYES

DERMATOLOGIST Abigail James says strawberries contain anthocyanins (the antioxidant that creates their red colour), which are a great support to the circulatory system. “They also have slightly astringent properties making them good for treating puffy eyes,” she says. “As an alternative to slices of cucumber, take strawberries straight from the fridge, cut them in half and glide them under the eye area.”

3 THEY CAN HELP PROMOTE HEALTHY SKIN

STRAWBERRIES contain natural AHAS (alpha hydroxy acids), which are widely used within the skincare industry for their skin brightening and exfoliating effects.

4 THEY CAN HELP PREVENT BLOOD-SUGAR SPIKES

“RESEARCH suggests eating strawberries alongside a carbohydrate-rich meal may help to reduce spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels,” says Dr Derbyshire.

“Improving blood sugar and insulin sensitivity could be helpful for preventing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.”