A lot of grown-ups and children rate strawberries as their most favorite fruit. When you consider that the calories in strawberries are very low folks are pleased to enjoy this nutritious fruit. A cup of strawberries has forty three calories. The berries are rich in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and folate. They are said to aid in the prevention of heart disease, certain kinds of cancer, and high blood pressure.

The berry is great when eaten fresh from the container or when used in deserts. They can be used by alone or in combination with other fruit to make tasty and healthy smoothies. The fruit is quite versatile and is a perfect ingredient for various recipes.

Smoothies made with fresh berries or frozen offer a low calorie, healthy, and refreshing treat. Adding frozen or regular yogurt will make a richer smoothie offering the same nutritional advantages of the berry. Folks will often eat the fruit with no additions to keep from adding calories.

The berries can be cleaned, sliced, and sprinkled with sugar or natural sweetener. When you let them stand for about a half hour the sweetener will cause the natural juices to be released from the berries. For a tasty desert you can spoon the fruit on top of a slice of angel food cake.

A pie made from glazed strawberries is a wonderful treat but keep in mind that the number of calories increases. Lower the number of calories in deserts by sweetening with sugar substitutes that are all natural. You can top a dish of the fresh fruit with a small dab of whipped cream and only increase the calorie count slightly. The berries topped with whipped cream are sometime more tempting than other deserts.

Fresh made strawberry crepes are a favorite breakfast or brunch item. The low calories in strawberries make it a more desirable filling than the rich cream or cheeses filling for those that are watching their daily caloric intake. They are also light and tasty when topped with slices of the fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped topping. For a fresh, sweet topping for pancakes you can smash strawberries and add a small amount of sweetener, letting it stand to release the natural juices of the berry, then top your pancake, delicious.

The colorful fruit can also be used for garnish. Place a few of the berries on dinner plates to add a garnish you can eat. The red berries make a tasty alternative to the traditional green garnishes. The berries can also be sliced and added to cereals or granola. The make a great addition to fresh greens, crumbled blue or feta cheese, and walnuts as a salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Providing your body with antioxidants and nutrients is easy when you add strawberries to your meal plans. Because the calories in strawberries are around forty three per cup you can include them in all your meals. Use them in your deserts, with breakfast, and dinners as an alternative to higher calorie food items. When fresh berries are out of season you can use frozen for your recipes. It does not matter if the fruit is frozen or fresh; they make smoothies and waffle or pancake toppings that are tasty and nutritious.