asiaSpa India January-February 2018 79P
icture a bowl full of fresh
strawberries and your
mouth’s sure to start watering
at once! The tiny fruit not only
looks and tastes good, but is also
packed with goodness – antioxidants,
nutrients and minerals that are great
for your health and boost your beauty.
Technically, because it has its seeds
on its outer skin, the strawberry is not
a berry. A member of the rose family,
it comes from a plant called fragaria.
In ancient Rome, strawberries were
a symbol of Venus. In the French
countryside, it was believed that
strawberries are an aphrodisiac and
so, newlyweds would drink a
strawberry soup at their morning
meals. Taking strawberry obessession
to the next level is the museum, Musee
de la Fraise in Belgium!
PACK A PUNCH
Delicious strawberries are relished for
their sweet taste and are a powerhouse
of nutrition. Including them in your
diet will only be good to your health
and skin. Celebrity nutritionist and
dietitian, Nmami Agarwal says,
“Strawberries are a good source of
Vitamin C, manganese and potassium,
and contain several other vitamins
and minerals. The Vitamin C in
strawberries improves your skin’s
elasticity and keeps it healthy. I
always recommend strawberries to my
clients because the compound nitrate
in them helps our blood flow and
supplies oxygen to the body, which in
turn assists in weight loss to a great
extent.” Not just this, strawberries
help regulate digestion too. Plus, they
control glucose and lipid levels in the
body and prevent diabetes.
Using strawberries is great for your
skin as well. Dolly Kumar, Founder
& Director, Skinella, “Strawberries
help improve the complexion and
help brighten dull skin. The powerful
antioxidants present in them help
lighten skin because they provide
a shield against harmful UV rays.
Using a strawberry lip balm can help
exfoliate your lips and hydrate them.”WHIP UP
Eat them fresh, blend them into
smoothies, add them to cakes or use
them in ice creams, there’s just so
much you can do with strawberries.
Ruchira Hoon, Bakery Partner &
Chef, The Piano Man Bakery, says
“Strawberries are seasonal, but
once they do come it’s hard to stop
using them. The thing about these
powerhouse berries is that they are
just loaded with antioxidants and
are absolutely stellar to use in every
possible way – raw, baked or roasted.
I use strawberries in several ways
including in a compote, but these
sweet tart berries taste best when used
on their own.” In addition to being
consumed fresh, strawberries can be
frozen or dried to be used later.
For Chef Vivek Kadam, Pastry
Chef, Grand Hyatt Mumbai,
it is always exciting to whip up
some delicacies with strawberries.
“Strawberries not only add a delightful
colour to your preparations, but also
lend a unique flavour and texture
to food. Easily available locally,
strawberries work in perfect symphony
with the other flavours and that’s the
best thing about them.”
Grab your bowl now and let juicy
strawberries brighten up your day.yyyBRIGHTENS SKIN
In a bowl, combine half
a cup each of brown sugar
and almond oil and six
mashed strawberries.
Apply the mixture all over your
body in circular motions.
Leave it on for 5–10 minutes
and then wash o.WHITENS TEETH
Combine a crushed
strawberry with a teaspoonful
of baking soda.
Dip a toothbrush or your nger
in the mixture and rub your
teeth for 1–2 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.DECREASES ACNE
Mash half a banana
and a handful of
strawberries in a bowl.
Add a quarter cup of yoghurt
and a tablespoonful of honey
and mix it well.
Apply the mixture all over
your face and leave on for 15
minutes and then wash o
with warm water.asiaSpa India January-February 2018 79