The Vitamin C Superfood that Supercharges the Immune System

20/10/06 California strawberry growers, supplying 87% of the nation's strawberry crop, are reporting an excellent yield of red, ripe, and nutritious strawberries for October and November. That's good news for Americans across the country who are looking for an extra boost of protection against the upcoming cold and flu season.

According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the average child will get six to 10 colds a year while adults as many as four. Medical experts say a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to ward off illness. Strawberries fit the bill. Considered a "Superfood," strawberries are loaded with nutrients, low in sugar and contain more vitamin C than oranges.

One serving of 8 medium strawberries contains 84 milligrams of vitamin C, providing the recommended dietary allowance. "Most people associate vitamin C with oranges, but if you look at oranges versus strawberries, ounce per ounce, strawberries actually contain more vitamin C than oranges," says Dr. Navindra Seeram, Assistant Director at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Center for Human Nutrition. Seerem says that a healthy diet rich in vitamin C can held reduce the chance of catching a cold as well as limiting severe symptoms and shortening its duration. Strawberries are also packed with other nutrients important to maintaining good health including fiber, potassium, folate and antioxidants. Additionally, strawberries are naturally low in sugar (only 7g per serving), making them a naturally sweet and healthy indulgence.

There are more California strawberries available at this time of year than ever before. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the projected strawberry crop for the year is 2.2 billion pounds, up 8% over last year's record-breaking yield. Growers have also introduced new varieties that boost the availability of strawberries in the fall and winter months, giving consumers across the country access to ripe and nutritious strawberries all year long.