Read by Michael Flamel

TThe phrase “like giving strawberries to a donkey” is a curious expression that captures the essence of futility and wasted effort, highlighting an act so pointless and absurd that it makes me laugh! But where did this peculiar saying originate, and what is its significance?

While the exact origins of the phrase are murky, its roots can be traced back to ancient times—when donkeys held a prominent place in agricultural societies.

Donkeys, known for their stubbornness and voracious appetites, were often used as working animals in fields and farms. Despite their invaluable contributions to farm labor, they were also notorious for their selective eating habits. Donkeys would often refuse to eat certain foods, especially those they found unpalatable or unfamiliar.

Enter the humble strawberry, a delicate fruit prized for its sweetness and vibrant flavor. In agricultural communities, strawberries were cultivated with care and harvested with anticipation, their ruby-red hues symbolizing abundance and fertility. However, when offered to donkeys as a treat or reward for their labor, the response was often underwhelming … if not outright rejection.

Imagine the perplexed farmer, extending a ripe strawberry to his trusty donkey, only to watch in dismay as the creature turned up its nose and walked away. The sight of such a futile gesture, offering a prized delicacy to an indifferent beast, must have given rise to the expression “like giving strawberries to a donkey.”

Well, I love strawberries so much—and I can tell you don’t bother trying to feed them to donkeys, because strawberries are full of health benefits … for you!

The strawberry is one powerful fruit! Rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, they can protect your heart, increase good (HDL) cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, protect against cancer, and help control blood sugar.

Here are some of the ways strawberries contribute to good health as well as to good looks!

Boosting your heart health

Studies have found a relationship between berry anthocyanins and improved heart health, the most common cause of death worldwide.

According to a study in middle-aged people with well-established risk factors for heart disease, berries may improve HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood platelets function.

Strawberries may also:

• improve blood antioxidant status
• decrease oxidative stress
• reduce inflammation
• improve vascular function
• improve your blood lipid profile
• reduce the harmful oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol

Controlling your blood sugar

Strawberries appear to slow down blood sugar regulation and reduce spikes in both glucose and insulin following a carb-rich meal. Therefore, strawberries may be especially useful for preventing metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Prevent cancer

Many studies suggest that strawberries may help prevent several types of cancer because of their ability to fight oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer formation.

Strawberries have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in animals with mouth cancer and in human liver cancer cells. More human research is needed to come to solid conclusions about the effects of strawberries on cancer.

Slow the aging process

The vitamin C and antioxidants in strawberries delay the aging process, preventing damage to the skin and body caused by free radicals that accelerate aging. Also, the lycopene in strawberries helps fight the signs of skin aging.

Improve your complexion

Strawberries have skin-lightening properties along with ellagic acid, both of which reduce skin spots and lighten scars. Also, antioxidants in strawberries are useful in protecting the skin from UV sun rays.

To get a glowing complexion, try this external method: Cut a strawberry in half and rub the inner flesh over exposed skin. Allow the juice to remain on your skin for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat daily or every other day.

Cures acne (What a way to get teenagers to eat fruit!)

The acidic nature of strawberries helps remove excess sebum, one of the key causes of acne. They also contain fiber that helps get rid of harmful toxins, which are a known factor for acne and pimples.

In addition to eating strawberries, try this: Mash five to six ripe strawberries. Mix in 1 tablespoon of sour cream or low-fat, unsweetened yogurt to make a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your face, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. Do this twice a week.

Exfoliates your skin

Strawberries are a natural exfoliant for skin, with their vitamin C and salicylic acid helping to remove dead skin cells, excess sebum, and other impurities.

Try this technique to exfoliate: Mash a handful of ripe strawberries into a paste and mix in 1 teaspoon each of sugar and olive oil. Gently massage the paste onto your skin using a circular motion. Wait 15 minutes before washing off the strawberry paste. Do this once or twice a week.

Makes your teeth whiter

Strawberries’ vitamin C content helps break down plaque that causes teeth to appear yellow. Also, their malic acid helps transform teeth from yellow to white.

Try this to whiten teeth: Rub half a strawberry back and forth all over your teeth, wait one minute and then rinse with warm water. Do this twice daily for about two weeks. You can also grind one or two strawberries into a paste and rub it on your teeth, leaving for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Do it twice daily for a few weeks.

Treats sagging skin

Strawberries have astringent properties that are good treatments for sagging skin, and are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts production of collagen fibers to keep the skin smooth and taut.

In addition to eating strawberries, try this: Mix a puree of two or three ripe berries with 2 teaspoons each of plain yogurt and honey. Apply the paste to your face and neck, allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Do this daily for several weeks.

Fades freckles

Strawberries can help fade freckles and blemishes naturally with their vitamin C and other antioxidants. Strawberries also fight free radicals, nourish the skin, and keep it properly hydrated.

Use the bleaching properties of strawberries by trying this: Mash two large ripe strawberries into a paste and mix in 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste on affected areas, allow it to sit for five minutes, and rinse it off. Repeat once daily for several weeks.

Reduces under-eye puffiness

Strawberries are a natural anti-inflammatory agent and have an astringent property that help get rid of under-eye puffiness and swelling.

Try this as an external remedy as needed: Chill one or two large strawberries in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut them into thick slices. Lie down and put the cool slices over your eyes. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the slices and wash your face with cold water.

Promotes healthy nail growth

Strawberries are rich in biotin, which encourages nail growth by improving the keratin infrastructure. The vitamin C and folic acid in strawberries also assist in healthy nail growth.

 
Note: Strawberry allergy is somewhat common, especially among children. Don’t use strawberries as a home beauty remedy if you’re allergic! Also, people who are sensitive to birch pollen or apples may experience symptoms after eating strawberries.

 
Did you know that strawberries can be so healthful? Please tell us about healthy ways you use strawberries by commenting below.