Did you know that May is National Strawberry Month? In honor of this delicious “berry”, we are sharing why they are so great for healthy skin. Strawberries have the third-highest potency of antioxidants per serving compared to other commonly consumed foods in the US. Why is this great for your skin? Because antioxidants help fight free radicals from breaking down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Essentially, strawberries help fight the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, inflammation and redness. 

Free Radical Fighters

Strawberries contain antioxidants known as polyphenols along with vitamin C, manganese, potassium, quercetin, and folate (B9). Adding strawberries to your diet gives you healthy vitamins and minerals that help your body fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is what occurs when free radicals are searching for a mate. As these free radicals bounce throughout your body trying to find their perfect match, they damage healthy cells and our DNA. These monstrous little molecules are responsible for most of the damage in our bodies. The job of antioxidants is to effectively reduce the formation of free radicals and thereby slow down the aging process. 

Vitamin C to the Rescue

Vitamin C, one of your skin’s most needed vitamins, helps to brighten, lighten, and tighten. This vitamin is directly involved in the production and health of all your important skin cells like collagen and elastin. Make sure your strawberries go from farm to table quickly, as the vitamin C levels of freshly picked strawberries diminish quickly. It is best to consume them in a few days to get the fullest benefits of their nutrients. 

Good For: anti-aging, acne, skin brightening, sun-seekers 

Recipe:

I’m a big fan of just fresh strawberries all on their own, but here is a delicious and well-reviewed salad I have plans to try. 

Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing 

Bonus: the spinach, strawberries, and pecans are all amazing skin fuel! 

For more recipes, visit our Eating Beautiful Facebook group.