Strawberries – the fruit of love!

The ideal fruit for Valentine’s Day is definitely the strawberry, this is because not only is a strawberry the colour of love, in the shape of a heart; it is also good for your heart.

Researchers in the US discovered that people who ate strawberries (and other fruits coloured red, purple or blue) had a lower risk of heart disease. So what has the humble strawberry got that can have this positive effect.

* Apart from tasting great these small fruits are bursting with goodness. Eight medium strawberries (80-100g), that’s one portion on the Food Pyramid contains just 30 kcals – about the same as half a plain biscuit.

* As with all brightly coloured fruit, a portion of strawberries is bursting with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is good for your heart but is also linked to reducing your risk of cancer, preventing colds and infections among other things.

* Like all fruits, strawberries are a great source of fibre

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But watch out for what you add to you strawberries, the traditional topping of whipped cream or ice-cream can add a whopping 60-110 Kcals per dessertspoon. So, here are some delicious and healthier ways to eat strawberries:

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* Chopped and added to your breakfast cereal

* Blend with other fruits, with some low fat yoghurt or fruit juice to make your own tasty smoothies.

* They make a tasty and unusual addition to a green salad.

* Threaded on a kebab skewer with pineapple, kiwi or any other of your favourite fruits.

* Layer sliced strawberries, whole blueberries and plain yogurt in a wine glass to make a parfait dessert.

* Or just for Valentines – serve them nude!

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Do you have Type 2 Diabetes and would like to take better control of your health? Come to the Free Information Evening for Adults - Wednesday 26th February 6-8pm, Annebrook Hotel, All are welcome.

For more information or for more information on diet and nutrition, please contact:

The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, HSE Dublin-Mid Leinster Tel: (044) 9395518 or email community.dietitians@hse.ie.