Page 7 - Leisure Living Magazine: Spring 2021 Edition

Naturally Boost Your Immunity With Vitamin C-Rich Strawberries
As greater importance is placed on building strong immune systems these days, nutrients such as vitamin C are gaining in popularity. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, fruits and vegetables are the best source of vitamin C. Get- ting your vitamin C from food helps the body ab- sorb the vitamin better and minimizes any risk of toxicity.
A serving of 8 large strawberries has a full day’s worth of vitamin C, about the same as a large navel orange.
Strawberries’ vitamin C may work in synergy with their fiber, flavonoids and other compounds to promote health beyond the immune system. In June 2020, six different universities presented research on the potential health benefits of straw- berries at a top nutrition conference.
Some of the findings included strawberries’ potential to lower cholesterol, fasting blood glu- cose, insulin resistance, and Alzheimer’s demen- tia risk. Changes to the gut microbiome were also found after people ate strawberries, which may have positive effects on intestine, colon and heart health.
Recent surveys showed that people associated these heart-shaped berries with feelings of joy and memories of summer, yet strawberries can be en- joyed throughout the year. Fresh California straw- berries are hand-picked year-round and frozen strawberries can be found in most grocers’ freez- ers winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Frozen Strawberries Just as Nutritious as Fresh
Frozen strawberries provide the same nutri- tional benefits as the fresh ones. They’re harvest- ed at their peak nutrition and frozen immedi- ately. Science shows no significant differences in vitamins, minerals, fiber or antioxidants between fresh and frozen strawberries. People can feel good about having affordable, nutritious frozen strawberries with a longer shelf-life all year long.
When peak season ends, freezing strawberries can be a great option. It’s easy to do. Simply rinse strawberries under cool, running water and gently pat dry. After removing the stems, place strawber- ries on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and freeze for 24 hours. Then transfer the strawberries to a plastic freezer bag. Strawberries can stay in the
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Add a sweet bit of nutrition to your breakfast with California strawberry waffles.
freezer for several months. Frozen strawberries maintain their sweetness and are versatile enough to be used in recipes ranging from smoothies to ice cream, baked goods to breakfasts.
Here’s a nutritious recipe using frozen straw- berries in waffles:
Strawberry Oat Waffles
Time: 15 minutes,
Yield: 6 mini/3 regular waffles
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup plant-based milk
3 Tbsp oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chopped frozen strawberries Cooking spray
Optional Toppings: maple syrup, fresh
strawberries
Preheat a waffle maker. Whisk together flour, milk, oil, egg, vanilla, and baking powder until smooth. Gently fold strawberries into the mix- ture. Grease the waffle iron with cooking spray and pour in 1/2 cup batter. Cook until golden brown on both sides for about 2-3 minutes. Re- peat until all batter is cooked.
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