Content
- 1 What it looks like and where it grows
- 2 The chemical composition of wild strawberry
- 3 Why is forest strawberry useful for the human body?
- 4 Preparation and application methods
- 5 Application in traditional medicine
- 6 The benefits and harms of strawberry jam
- 7 Contraindications to eating strawberries
- 8 Application in cosmetology
- 9 Collection and procurement
- 10 Conclusion
Strawberries can be found on personal plots and dachas. Forest fruits are distinguished by their pronounced aroma and unique taste. Perennial is a medicinal plant that has a beneficial effect on the body. The benefits of wild strawberries have been proven in numerous studies.
What it looks like and where it grows
Gardeners have been growing a perennial plant for four years. Wild berries and wild berries grow longer. The herb tastes like strawberries. The difference lies in the size.
Strawberries are quite small berries. A wild plant has many leaves, which greatly complicates the collection of fruits. Not every forest bush contains berries.
In nature, the plant is found on every continent. The main habitat is Eurasia. A significant number of strawberries are found in Russia. Wild berries are harvested in forests and forest belts. The plant does not tolerate pronounced shading. It prefers forests with low density.
A perennial is:
- class Dicotyledonous;
- Department of Flowering;
- order Rosaceae;
- family Pink;
- subfamily Rozanovye;
- genus Strawberry.
The name of the forest plant is associated with the word "strawberry". The fruits bend low to the ground under their weight. The Latin name fragaris means "fragrant." Wild strawberries have a pronounced pleasant aroma.
The well-developed roots of the plant lie in the ground for about 25 cm.The trifoliate leaves of a dark green color have a serrated edge and differ in the following forms:
- oval;
- ovoid;
- ovoid-rhombic.
The height of the petioles reaches 25 cm. The lower part of the leaves is omitted. The inflorescence resembles a scutellum. The flower has white, red, pink or yellowish petals. It is pollinated by insects. Forest fruits are false berries that can be distinguished by the following colors:
- pink;
- white;
- red;
- yellow;
- crimson.
The chemical composition of wild strawberry
The health benefits of fruits are due to their unique composition. Strawberries are considered a source of valuable substances.
What vitamins are found in wild strawberries
The fruits include compounds that support the adequate functioning of virtually all systems. The following vitamins are present in wild strawberries:
- retinol;
- vitamin C;
- PP;
- compounds of group B.
Among the useful elements contained in fruits are called:
- calcium;
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- manganese;
- iron;
- zinc;
- copper.
Calorie content of wild strawberries per 100 grams
The nutritional value of berries reaches 34 kcal. The fruits contain:
- proteins - 0.7 g;
- fats - 0.3 g;
- carbohydrates - 7.7 g;
- dietary fiber - 2 g.
Why is forest strawberry useful for the human body?
The unique composition of the plant contributes to the prevention of many pathologies. The use of forest fruits for food can eliminate serious diseases.
Healing properties of strawberry root
Rhizomes contain alkaloids and tannins. Infusion of roots helps to remove toxins and cleanse the blood. The tool is used to treat:
- liver;
- spleen;
- kidney;
- Bladder.
The infusion of rhizomes can be drunk with profuse bleeding during menstruation. It is also helpful in eliminating uterine fibroids.
Useful properties of strawberries
The inclusion of forest fruits in the diet contributes to:
- improving vision and general well-being;
- elimination of insomnia;
- relieving headaches;
- restoration of the menstrual cycle;
- normalization of hemoglobin levels;
- strengthening nails and hair;
- weight loss;
- regulation of the emotional background;
- increasing potency.
Useful properties of dried strawberries
Forest fruits are harvested for the winter in the form of compotes and preserves, as well as dried fruits. Dried berries have the same medicinal properties as fresh ones. This is due to the preservation of the main amount of nutrients.
The benefits of frozen wild strawberries
Exposure to low temperatures is the best way to preserve the valuable properties of wild berries. Freezing and subsequent proper storage ensures the presence of useful components for a certain time. Frozen fruits can be used to add to confectionery, jelly. It is recommended to prepare compotes from such berries that are good for health.
The health benefits of strawberries for women
Wild berries have a healing effect on the body when used externally and internally. Their use produces a hemostatic effect, which is especially important with heavy discharge during menstruation. The beneficial substances that make up the forest plant have a beneficial effect on the appearance of women. Regular consumption of the fruit improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Strawberries during pregnancy
The physiological state requires an increased intake of beneficial nutrients. This is due to the increased load on all systems and organs of pregnant women. The use of wild berries also has a beneficial effect on the development of the fruit. For example, the folic acid found in fruits prevents neural tube defects from developing.
A significant amount of vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, which is reduced due to hormonal changes. Magnesium normalizes the state of the nervous system, and potassium prevents the development of pathologies from the cardiovascular system.
Women note stool normalization when using berries in food. This is due to the presence of fiber in the composition. However, wild strawberries can be both beneficial and harmful to the health of a pregnant woman. Abuse of fruits can provoke allergic reactions.
Is it possible to breastfeed strawberries
During lactation, you need to carefully monitor your diet. This is due to the fact that all the components that make up the products enter breast milk. Strawberries act as a source of irreplaceable substances that ensure the full development of the child's body. Wild berries contain the following beneficial nutrients:
- folic acid;
- vitamin C;
- magnesium;
- iron;
- potassium.
Strawberries can be included in the diet of women who are breastfeeding. However, precautions must be taken. In particular, forest fruits are introduced into the menu gradually, 1-2 pieces per day. In the absence of allergic reactions and indigestion in the infant, the amount of the product is adjusted to 50 g.
For men
The beneficial substances included in the composition help to strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to ARVI. The use of wild berries helps to improve potency. This has a positive effect on libido.
For children
The fruits are rich in composition. A growing child's body needs:
- folic acid;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- manganese;
- iron;
- potassium.
However, wild strawberry has both medicinal properties and contraindications. This is due to the ability of the berries to cause allergic reactions.
Preparation and application methods
Wild berries can be stored for a long time. Various blanks are popular. Healing drinks are also made from the fruits.
Jam
This procurement method is one of the most common. You can use various recipes to prepare a healthy treat. Usually, the same amount of sugar is taken per kilogram of wild berries, as well as a pinch of citric acid.
The strawberries should be pre-washed and covered with 0.5 kg of sugar. After five hours, the mixture is brought to a boil, the remaining sugar is added. The jam is simmered over the fire for 15 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add citric acid to the mixture, which helps preserve the product.
Wild strawberry jam is stored in sterilized jars after they are sealed.
Tea
The berries can be used to make drinks. Wild strawberry tea is both beneficial and harmful. It is not recommended to drink it for chronic diseases of the digestive tract in the acute phase. The presence of allergic reactions is also a contraindication.
Root decoction
It is not only the fruits of the forest plant that have healing properties. Benefits can be expected from the use of a decoction of wild strawberry rhizomes. They are collected in the autumn and spring seasons. The roots should be washed, peeled and cooked over low heat for 30 minutes. For one tablespoon of raw materials, take a glass of water. The remedy is drunk in a third of a glass several times a day.
Dried strawberries
For the purpose of harvesting, it is important to correctly collect the fruits. The harvest should be taken mainly in the morning, after the dew has disappeared. The collected forest berries are cleaned of leaves and stalks. It is important to remove damaged fruits and debris.
Wild berries are thoroughly washed and dried by placing them on paper. Then they are poured onto a clean surface, left to dry in the fresh air.
Frozen strawberries
The fruits are suitable for storage when exposed to low temperatures. Wild strawberries are frozen not only whole. The berries can be ground with sugar. They are also allowed to be mixed with other berries.
Application in traditional medicine
Strawberries are actively used for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. The fruit of the forest plant is considered solely as an adjunct to mainstream therapy.
Diabetes
Endocrine pathology significantly impairs the usual way of life and requires adherence to a diet. Strawberries are known to be rich in glucose and fructose. These substances are of particular importance for diabetics. In order to compensate for the deficiency of necessary substances, it is enough to consume up to 100 g of the fruits of the medicinal plant.
Pancreatitis
To reduce the severity of the disease of the pancreas, an infusion of berries is used. The use of the fruits of the forest plant is due to the presence of stimulating and anti-inflammatory effects. The berries are poured with boiling water and insisted for one hour. The remedy is drunk several times a day in small portions.
Gastritis
In case of stomach pathology, it is not prohibited to eat forest fruits. However, it is important to take precautions. It is not recommended to eat the fruits of a forest plant on an empty stomach. It is advisable to add them to desserts, cereals and compotes. The daily intake of the product is 100 g.
Gout
The forest plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Eating the fruit is advisable for gout. The presence of fresh berries minimizes the symptoms of the disease.
Liver pathology
Wild berries are used for diseases of the digestive tract. The indications include diseases of the gallbladder and liver. To prepare a healing infusion, pour a glass of boiling water over two tablespoons of fresh or dry fruits. The product is ready for use in three hours. It is taken three times a day for a tablespoon.
An infusion of wild strawberries can be included in drug therapy for diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
The benefits and harms of strawberry jam
The delicacy allows you to enjoy the taste and aroma of a forest plant in the cold season. However, the preservation of valuable qualities depends on the method of making the jam. Wild strawberry, ground with sugar, retains a maximum of nutrients. It contains vitamins, microelements and macronutrients that help to cope with ARVI. The beneficial effects on the reproductive system are essential.
A delicacy that is languishing on fire for a long time loses a large amount of nutrients. This is due to the influence of high temperatures. Forest plant dessert should be consumed in limited quantities due to its high sugar content.
Contraindications to eating strawberries
The forest plant is highly allergenic. The use of fruits is possible only in the absence of individual intolerance. To avoid the appearance of digestive disorders, you need to follow the measure:
- a glass of berries - adults;
- 0.5 cups of fruits - children.
Application in cosmetology
The healing properties of wild strawberries allow them to be used to preserve the beauty of hair and skin.For example, fresh juice can help eliminate facial freckles. For this purpose, you can wipe the skin with forest berries. The exposure time of a useful mask is 20 minutes. After the specified time, the face is washed with cool water.
The frozen sap of the forest plant helps to tone the skin. It is poured into a special ice mold. You can use the product after freezing it. Rub the skin with ice cubes.
You can also soak cheesecloth with berry juice. It is applied to the face and allowed to wait for 20 minutes. Then the mask is removed, and the skin is carefully washed with running water.
The combination of honey, strawberry juice and curd helps to relieve dryness of the face. For this purpose, forest berries, coconut oil and fatty sour cream are sometimes used. The masks are left to act for 20-30 minutes and then washed off.
The medicinal properties of wild strawberry determine its use for improving hair. To speed up the growth of curls, you can prepare a mask of berry puree and burdock oil. The ingredients are taken in equal proportions, mixed and heated in a water bath. The tool is applied to the curls and rubbed into the roots. The mask is washed off after 40 minutes.
Collection and procurement
Ripening of strawberries depends on the climate and weather conditions of a particular area. Usually, active fruiting occurs in late June and early July. You need to look for strawberries on the edges and forest glades.
You need to collect only ripe fruits. White, slightly reddened forest strawberries quickly rot and dry out.
When transporting berries, they must be placed in a dark place, having previously covered with gauze. Do not allow direct sunlight to penetrate fresh forest berries.
Conclusion
The benefits of wild strawberries are due to the presence of valuable substances. The plant contains a whole range of nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the human body. Roots are also eaten in the form of decoctions. Forest fruits can be dried and frozen, used for making infusions and preserves.
