Originally straw was used in cultivating strawberries from which their name is believed to be derived.

Considered to be the most popular berry fruit in the world, strawberries are packed with Vitamin B and C , manganese, potassium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin K, foliate (vitamin B9) and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Loaded with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compounds, they are now being recognised as a super fruit that lowers cholesterol levels and generally promotes good health.

Among their many attributes are their high level of cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoinds (vitamin P) and fibre.

Phenols (a form of antioxidant) in strawberries have the ability to decrease the activity of enzymes whose hyperactivity causes inflammation. Some of these phenols function as potent antioxidants which have been found in studies to decrease rates of cancer related deaths.

Studies have also shown that strawberries and other fruits rich in vitamin C help prevent age-related macular degeneration or loss of vision.

Many people take non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibufen for relief from the associated pain. These drugs are synthetically designed to be cox-incubators or suppressors of prostate cancer cells. But strawberries contain natural phenols that serve the same purpose without causing the intestinal bleeding that often occurs when taking artificial drugs.

Freeze-dried strawberry powder is believed to help in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (obesity).

Strawberries are among the most nutritionally dense fruits but are fat free and have a very low calorie count – one cup of strawberries contains only about 55 calories.

Whenever possible obtain organically grown strawberries to ensure they are free of traces of pesticides and chemical fertilisers.