The Heart, The Mind, and The Body

It’s funny how sometimes foods are shaped like the organs they benefit—like walnuts to the brain, strawberries are wonderful for the heart. The brilliant red of strawberries can be attributed to their rich anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are a class of antioxidants that bring a host of health benefits, including supporting healthy vasodilation, which supports healthy blood pressure; fighting free radicals that can lead to cellular damage; and reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.^{1 2 3 4} In addition to heart-loving anthocyanins, strawberries also boast neuroprotective phytochemicals that research has shown support cognitive function. But the benefits don’t stop there—strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges and are packed with folate, a B vitamin essential for tissue growth and cell function.⁵

The Dirtiest of the Dozen

Strawberries have taken the number one spot on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list since 2016.⁶ USDA tests found 99 percent of conventionally grown strawberries contained residue of at least one pesticide, with more than 81 different pesticides found in total. About 20 percent of the sprays used leave residues on the berries, while the remaining 80 percent are fumigants sprayed on the soil where the strawberries are grown. One of the fumigants used in conventional strawberry farming is chloropicrin, an ingredient in tear gas.⁷ Fumigants can be carried by the wind, putting neighboring homes and schools at risk, and wipeout beneficial microorganisms, bacteria, and mycorrhizal fungi that are critical components of healthy soil.

Organic Strawberry Fields Forever

Healthy soil is teeming with life. Lively ecosystems of microscopic organisms fill soil with rich nutrients that support the growth of healthy produce. Studies have shown that organic farming practices lead to healthy soil that in turn grows fruits and veggies that are more nutrient dense. Organic strawberries contain higher levels of nutrients including polyphenols, vitamin C, and even have a longer shelf life compared to conventionally grown strawberries.⁸ Choosing organic strawberries means healthier soil, safer communities, and more nutritious (and delicious!) berries—what better addition to the perfect picnic?

Try Our No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Tartlets

These little tarts are bursting with flavor! A graham-cracker crust base filled with creamy, tangy lemon chia pudding is the ultimate treat.

GET THE RECIPE

References

1. Szajdek A, Borowska JE. Bioactive compounds and health-promoting properties of berry fruits a review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2008;63:147–156.
2. Basu A, Rhone M, Lyons TJ. Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutr.Rev. 2010;68:168–177.
3. Hannum, S. (2004) Potential Impact of Strawberries on Human Health: A Review of the Science, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 44:1, 1-17, DOI: 10.1080/10408690490263756
4. Kong, J.-M., Chia, L.-S., Goh, N.-K., Chia, T.-F., & Brouillard, R. (2003). Analysis and biological activities of anthocyanins. Phytochemistry, 64(5), 923–933. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(03)00438-2
5. Subash, S., Essa, M. M., Al-Adawi, S., Memon, M. A., Manivasagam, T., & Akbar, M. (2014). Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases. Neural regeneration research, 9(16), 1557.
6. Dirty Dozen™ fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides. Environmental Working Group. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
7. Pesticides + poison gases = cheap, year-round strawberries. Environmental Working Group. (2019) Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/strawberries.php
8. Reganold JP, Andrews PK, Reeve JR, Carpenter-Boggs L, Schadt CW, et al. (2010) Fruit and Soil Quality of Organic and Conventional Strawberry Agroecosystems. PLOS ONE 5(9):e12346. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0012346