(www.MacularDegenerations.com) While most people know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, few realize just how beneficial strawberries can be as it relates to protecting eye health, according to the Western Farm Press on 12 July.
Carla Haley, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Miller County extension agent, said in the article that strawberries tend to be left of lists that detail fruits that can help to strengthen the immune system.
According to the article, strawberries, which are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, not only pack a punch in the fight against harmful free radicals, but also help to protect against things such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Haley explained in the article that consuming foods that contain vitamin C also enables the body to absorb iron. She added that strawberries contain potassium, which helps to keep blood pressure within an ideal range, and fiber, which helps to regulate cholesterol. And, for those who are watching their calorie intake, one cup of strawberries has zero fat and a mere 45 calories.
Meanwhile, the article contained some tips for choosing strawberries. For instance, they should be firm, bright red, completely ripe and have bright green caps. Haley added in the article that strawberries stored inside the fridge should be used within three days to prevent mold growth. She added that strawberries should not be rinsed before being putting in the fridge, and that removing the green cap too soon can lessen texture, flavor and nutrient value.
An eye condition that can lead to blindness, AMD is obviously no laughing matter. What people eat can play a role in whether or not they ultimately come down with AMD in the future, so people who watch what they eat stand a fighting chance of avoiding the onset of AMD. If they should get the ailment, they can at least slow down its progression by consuming the right things. As populations continue to age, cases of AMD are expected to rise, according to various experts. Which is all the more reason for people to take their eye health seriously by watching what they eat.
Reference: http://westernfarmpress.com/management/strawberries-can-toughen-immune-system
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