With their unique sweetness, tanginess, and smooth texture, strawberries are delicious and offer impressive health benefits. Did you know they contain 62mg of vitamin C per 100 grams? That’s even more than lemons, which are typically known for their zesty sourness. Despite their sweet taste, strawberries are surprisingly low in sugar, making them a guilt-free treat. Let’s take a look at some foods that pair perfectly with strawberries, as well as those that don’t complement them as well.
Foods That Pair Well with Strawberries
Nuts
Nuts are loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, selenium, vitamin C, and tocopherols, all of which help protect your cardiovascular system. When combined with strawberries, vitamin C boosts the effects of vitamin E in nuts. Vitamin E is known for promoting eye health and slowing aging. Plus, nuts are high in protein and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer and making them an excellent choice for those managing their weight.
Bell Peppers
Just half a bell pepper contains more than enough vitamin C to meet your daily needs. Pairing them with strawberries (also rich in vitamin C) enhances their immune-boosting and skin-loving properties. Bell peppers also contain nutrients like beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and potassium. The health benefits of bell peppers vary depending on their color. Red bell peppers are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which boosts immunity. Orange peppers can help brighten your skin, while yellow peppers are great for promoting vascular health. Green peppers, on the other hand, may help prevent anemia.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in natural estrogen, offering a range of health benefits. When paired with strawberries, the vitamin C in strawberries helps enhance the effects of pomegranate, helping to slow down skin aging. This combination is also great for easing menopause-related symptoms such as osteoporosis and arthritis. However, caution is advised for those with uterine fibroids, as excessive pomegranate intake can potentially worsen the condition. Since pomegranates can lower blood pressure, those taking blood pressure medication should avoid excessive consumption.
Salmon
Eating salmon regularly can strengthen your immune system and support weight management. It is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamin D for immune function, protein, vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. Paired with strawberries (high in vitamin C), this duo promotes collagen production, helping keep your skin healthy and youthful. The vitamins B1 and B2 in salmon also support collagen regeneration, contributing to a radiant complexion.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is rich in isoflavones, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties. Strawberries are also celebrated for their ability to prevent cancer, making the combination of soy milk and strawberries an excellent health duo. Isoflavones help protect against breast, prostate, and colon cancers, according to cancer research. Soy milk and strawberries work synergistically to strengthen your body’s cancer-fighting abilities.
Cheese
Cheese is another great option to pair with strawberries. Together, they promote bone health and collagen synthesis. Cheese is rich in high-quality protein, vitamin A, and B vitamins, which help strengthen your bones, teeth, and skin. When combined with the vitamin C in strawberries, these nutrients support collagen production, contributing to healthier skin. Like salmon, cheese can also enhance your skin’s health and vitality.
Milk
Not only soy milk but also regular milk pairs beautifully with strawberries. Milk is rich in calcium and iron, vital for bone health. When the iron in milk combines with the vitamin C in strawberries, it boosts iron absorption, making this combination nutritionally beneficial. Additionally, the citric acid in strawberries enhances calcium absorption, promoting stronger bones and preventing osteoporosis. Blending strawberries with milk makes for a delicious and nutritious drink that supports taste and bone health.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate, in moderation, can be a healthy treat, especially when paired with strawberries. It contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, avoiding dark chocolate with too much sugar is essential, as excess sugar can destabilize blood sugar levels and interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with nutrients, and its health benefits are further enhanced when paired with strawberries. Both foods offer powerful anticancer properties. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its cancer-fighting effects, while strawberries provide antioxidants like ellagic acid. Together, they strengthen each other’s cancer-fighting power. Additionally, the fiber in broccoli and the vitamin C in strawberries support digestive health and help boost your immune system.
Foods That Don’t Pair Well with Strawberries
Bread
You’ll often see strawberries in baked goods, but pairing strawberries with bread isn’t the best choice. Bread is loaded with refined carbohydrates, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels and increase inflammation. When consumed with refined carbs, the benefits of strawberries—especially their antioxidants—can be diminished. Bread also makes it harder for your body to digest strawberries, which can reduce their effectiveness.
Most Commented