Food Facts Friday: Strawberries

Springtime is the peak season for strawberries, one of the most popular berries. They taste great eaten alone or mixed in a salad or smoothie. Strawberries provide health benefits making them a great fruit to include in your diet.

Serving Size and Nutrition Facts

One serving of strawberries is about 4 large or 6 medium berries. A serving provides 25 calories, 6 g carbohydrates, 1.5 g fiber, 115 mg potassium, and 18 mg phosphorus. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C and manganese, and contain some folate. ¹

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Eating strawberries might help reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Strawberries contain antioxidants that are associated with improved heart health. This is good news for people with kidney disease, as they are at an increased risk for heart disease. Studies have found that eating strawberries is associated with reduced inflammation, improved blood pressure and improved HDL cholesterol. ^2-3

Storing Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are best stored unwashed and with the stems. Line a flat container with paper towels and arrange strawberries, then cover and place in the refrigerator. When ready to eat the strawberries, wash and remove stems.

Strawberries can also be frozen, making them more easily accessible anytime of the year. Frozen strawberries are a great addition to a smoothie. You can buy frozen strawberries from the grocery store or freeze fresh strawberries yourself. Wash, dry and remove the stems first. Then arrange strawberries on a parchment-lined tray and place in the freezer. Once frozen, put the berries into a freezer bag or container.

Strawberries and a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Strawberries are a great fruit to include in a kidney-friendly diet since they are low in potassium and phosphorus. Eat them alone, added to a salad or blended into a smoothie. Add them on top of pancakes or bake them into bread. There are many ways to enjoy strawberries!

Strawberry Recipes

• Strawberry and Goat Cheese Spring Salad
• Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries
• Strawberry Bread
• Strawberry High Protein Smoothie

References:

1. USDA Food Data Central: Strawberries. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/341668/nutrients
2. Strawberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Adda Bjarnadottir. Healthline. Written on March 27, 2019. Accessed on January 6, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries
3. Antidiabetic, Lipid Normalizing, and Nephroprotective Actions of the Strawberry: A Potent Supplementary Fruit. Pallavi Mandave, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Volume 18, Issue 124, p1-22, 2017. (Available at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6e68/1b8c44a9110ffa827f6c88ce7b8c5663bd0c.pdf)

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

DaVita Food Analyzer

DaVita Dining Out Guides

Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks

DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes

Diet and Nutrition Articles                                                      

Diet and Nutrition Videos

Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.