Sunday, June 6, 2010

Healthy Frugal Food:Strawberries

Fragaria × ananassa 'Chandler,' a short-day co...Image via Wikipedia

Strawberries are a delicious, nutritional-powerhouse food that is available all year long. They are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants and are fat-free and low in calories.

Numerous studies have shown these scrumptious berries to reduce inflammation in the body, boost heart health and increase immunity. They contain more vitamin C than an orange! While sweet in taste, strawberries rate low on the glycemic index, so they do not spike your blood sugar levels.

Since beauty is both inner and outer, I am including two recipes for you to try—a stress-busting strawberry smoothie and a wonderful strawberry facial mask. Enjoy the beautiful, radiantly healthy results!

Strawberry Smoothie

You will need:

2 1/2 cups strawberries
1/2 cup strawberry nectar (or 1 cup strawberry yogurt)
1 pitted peach
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt

Blend in a food processor or blender until it is the consistency you like.

Strawberry Facial Mask

You will need:
4 or 5 very ripe, medium size strawberries
2 teaspoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon honey

Rinse the strawberries in lukewarm water, and pat them dry
In a small bowl, mash the fruit with a fork
Add the cream and honey, mixing well
Leave on for 20 minutes

Strawberries stimulate the skin, reduce swelling and redness and are a natural exfoliant, getting rid of the dead cells on the surface of the skin.

Honey is antibacterial and a great blemish fighter. It is also gentle on the skin.

The cream is moisturizing and feels great!

Why not try both of these recipes yourself?


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com
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About Me

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I am a freelance writer, Reiki master, and educator, with diplomas in teacher's aide and child psychology, and numerous writing courses. I home schooled my son, who was born 10 weeks early and was expected to have developmental and learning lags. In 6th grade, he took an 8th grade standardized achievement test, and scored as a college sophomore in math and English. It inspired me to write a book, which I have given away for free! It is called Make your Kid a Genius, and can be downloaded at my website http://www.irenehelenzundel.com I am passionate about alternative healing methods; especially Reiki, aromatherapy, acupressure, therapeutic massage and music and sound therapy.