Red, Sweet, and Good to Eat

           Cullman County is an agricultural hub mostly known for sweet potato and chicken farming.  However, as the months become warmer, the strawberry becomes a celebrated commodity among producers and consumers in this close-knit community. The strawberry has a pretty impressive résumé when you lay out all of it’s known health benefits. You may not have to be convinced to eat this super fruit, but here are some heath and wellness facts about strawberries that could surprise you!

            •Strawberries protect your heart, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and guard against cancer!

            •Strawberries contain vitamins, fiber, anti-oxidants, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, Folic acid, and amino acids.  

            •Vitamin C in strawberries is not only considered an immune booster, but it helps to ward off histamine that causes runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits. One study has shown that vitamin C supplementation decreased histamine levels by 38%, while other studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency can send blood levels of histamine soaring. Humans produce an enzyme to keep histamine at a tolerable level, and increasing vitamin C intake can help aid in synthesis of this essential enzyme

            •Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside, and they have an average of 200 seeds per fruit.

            •Their high levels of nitrate have been shown to increase blood and oxygen flow to muscles. So, those who eat strawberries tend to have more stamina when working out compared to those who do not consume strawberries. 

            If you would like to enjoy the multitude of health benefits strawberries have to offer, come out and grab a basket at the Festhalle Farmer’s Market. Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 2016 Strawberry Festival! The event will be held May 6^th and 7^th at Depot Park in downtown Cullman. Come enjoy fresh strawberries, live music, craft vendors, and kid’s games! For more details and information about this event, visit our website, cullmanrecreation.org!

Kayti Persall

Community Wellness Coordinator

Cullman City Parks & Recreation