By Debbie Jeffery, RD

Not only are strawberries an excellent way to satisfy the sweet tooth, they are also extremely nutrient dense.  One cup of strawberries contains more vitamin C than an orange, has 20% of your daily folic acid needs, and contains 4 grams fiber & 270 mg of potassium.  Strawberries also contain a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.  The latest research also shows that the nutrients in strawberries may also help to maintain a healthy heart. Besides snacking on strawberries, you might enjoy sliced strawberries mixed with salad greens or a refreshing smoothie like the recipe below!

Strawberry Flax Smoothie        

1 cup fresh or frozen sliced strawberries

½ cup nonfat Greek vanilla yogurt

½ cup skim milk (soy, almond, rice, or coconut milk may be substituted)

3 tablespoons ground flax seed

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place all ingredients in blender and blend on high speed until smooth.  Consume immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Serves 2.  Per serving: 145 calories, 4g fiber, 7g protein, .5g saturated fat, 19g carbohydrates, 170 mg calcium.