Strawberries are one of the twenty two ingredients contained in SenSatiaFruit.

Strawberries have a history that goes back over 2,200 years. Strawberries grew wild in Italy as long ago as 234 B.C. and were discovered in Virginia by the first Europeans when their ships landed there in 1588.

Early settlers in Massachusetts enjoyed eating strawberries grown by local American Indians who cultivated strawberries as early as 1643.

Strawberries not only taste great, many researchers are discovering they may provide significant helth benefits as well.

Researchers at the recent Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia had some good news for an aging population: Eating delicious foods such as strawberries and other berries is a positive step towards protecting your brain against future Alzheimer’s disease. These foods are rich sources of folate, an important B vitamin, as well as vitamin C and other antioxidants that have been associated with prevention of cognitive

With most Americans falling short of 5 A Day recommendations, new research gives people additional reasons to eat more strawberries. Two separate studies presented at the 2003 American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition reveal that in addition to being low in fat and calories, strawberries are naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants, making them a sweet alternative that advances heart health, reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, and gives a boost to total body wellness
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Dr. Gene Spiller, Nutrition and Health Research Center, recently released data showing that when people eat a daily serving of strawberries (about 8 berries; 45 calories) there are significant increases in blood folate levels and decreases in systolic blood pressure, findings that amplify the importance of including strawberries as part of a heart-healthy diet. Strawberries' propensity to decrease systolic blood pressure may reduce the risk of heart disease associated with high blood pressure. Folate reduces levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which may at high levels block arteries. In addition, earlier findings showed that strawberries are high in antioxidants such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins, the red pigment in strawberries, which is further evidence that strawberries provide an edge for heart health.

A second study released by Dr. Victor Fulgoni, Nutrition Impact LLC, further validates these findings and reveals additional benefits. Like Dr. Spiller’s findings, Dr. Fulgoni’s research using large surveys created by the US government showed that compared to non-eaters, strawberry eaters have higher blood folate levels and lower levels of homocysteine and tend to have lower blood pressure. In addition, Dr. Fulgoni’s data revealed that strawberry eaters tend to have higher dietary fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin C intake.

"The body of evidence showing a health benefit of strawberries continues to grow," said Dr. Fulgoni. "This latest research demonstrates that people who eat strawberries may be benefiting from their many nutrients, which may help maintain a healthy heart." In addition to advancing heart health and reducing risks of certain types of cancer, strawberries have been shown previously to enhance memory function and aid in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

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There are 31,800,000 references to Strawberry on Google as of December 2006.

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