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Pakistani Strawberry.

Strawberries arrived in Pakistan in the 1980s, but then they were only grown in the cool northern areas including Swat, the most known place for growing strawberries. Later, they are also produced in Sindh and Balochistan. The best of strawberries in Sindh are grown in Pano Akil though the fruit vendor won’t be that specific if you ask him and will just tell you that they are grown in Sukkur. Still, most boxes they come packed in do mention the name of the tehsil. People here have strawberries with their breakfast or they add them to cold milk before pouring into the liquidizer for milkshakes or smoothies. Strawberries taste divine with whipped cream or when dipped in chocolate before served cold. They are also use on cakes and deserts for decorations.

The scrumptious, succulent strawberry was not as common in Pakistan, 30 or even 20 years ago as it is now. Oh yes, there was no shortage of treats available in strawberry flavor — sweets, candy, jam, ice cream, custard, milkshake and even tea. But people here, when went out looking for strawberry, the actual fruit was only available in the canned variety imported from other countries or they just got to see them on television or in magazine pictures. Yes, it is one of the most ‘photogenic’ of fruits. That is also why fruit vendors display them by removing the covers of the boxes they come in, to beckon customers.

Nutritional Contents: Strawberries are a rich source of calories. The main constituent of a strawberry is water (91%) then carbohydrates (7.7%), although it contains protein (0.7%) and fats (0.3%) as traces.

They are a good source of vitamin B9, Vitamin C, and minerals like manganese. The health benefits of strawberries are many as antioxidants, and they help control blood sugar levels and heart diseases.

BENEFITS:

Taking strawberries into your diet reduces the risk of developing several chronic diseases. They boost your heart health, prevent cancer, and improve low blood glucose levels. Regulation of Blood Pressure:

Strawberries contain many minerals nutrients. One of them is potassium, and it acts as a buffer to maintain high blood pressure against the ill effect of sodium. It is famous as one of the best heart-healthy fruit juices.

Promote Pre-Natal Health:

For pregnant ladies, strawberry becomes more critical as they serve as a source of B-vitamin, which is also known as folate. It is necessary at the early stages to develop a baby’s brain, spinal cord, and skull when they are a fetus. It contains folic acid, which also reduces the chances of congenital disabilities.

Balance Your Healthy Vision:

Strawberries have impressive antioxidants that reduce the chances of cataracts, which appear as clouding over the eye lens, and may proceed towards blindness later in old age. To protect our eyes from direct exposure to free radicals and pollutants, they need vitamin C.

Prevent Cancer:

One of the best health benefits of strawberries is the prevention of cancer, and it boosts the defense system by enhancing immunity which is the best control against any cancer. It contains Ellagic acid, which shows anti-cancer properties as it suppresses the growth of cancerous cells. According to studies, strawberries are also a source of other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, and the antioxidants also can neutralize the adverse effects of free radicals.

Lower High Cholesterol Levels:

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in youngsters and older men. Strawberries act as heart health boosters. The phytochemicals such as flavonoids show antioxidants’ characteristics, which provide support to heart health. This fruit also has anti-inflammatory roles, which improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress and high blood lipids, as both are significant factors in every heart disease.

Boost Fiber Intake:

Fibers are essential for healthy digestion normally; a strawberry has 2 grams of fiber. Many of the problems due to low fiber intake include diverticulitis and constipation. It affects a large percentage of people over 60, and it helps fight both types of diabetes. They indirectly improve sugar absorption in the blood. Wrinkles Free Skin:

Vitamin C has enriched sources in strawberries, and it also plays a significant role in the production of collagen, which tightens your skin and gives a wrinkle-free shinning skin. Collagen levels decrease with age, but taking foods with vitamin C sources can satisfy collagen demands, ultimately giving you warts-free skin.

Best Wishes.