I don't know why I started throwing strawberry leaves in the trash, but I do it all the time. It made me wonder if strawberry leaves are poisonous. Could these sweet treasures be poisonous?
I don't understand this at all, but I know I'm not the only one because I've never seen anyone eat strawberry leaves in my life.
But according to NHS surgeon and TikTok content creator Dr Karan Rajan, that's exactly what we should have been doing all along.
Why you should eat strawberry leaves
In a new TikTok video, Dr Rajan explained: “The leafy part of the strawberry is called the calyx and is just as nutritious as the berry itself.”
“The leaves are rich in antioxidant polyphenols, and the leaves contain almost the same amount of vitamin C as the berries.”
He further explained that the top portion also contains other nutrients such as magnesium, as well as extra fiber.
Did you guess who it was?!
Strawberry leaves are also versatile. Food blogger The Purposeful Pantry has a variety of recipes that use strawberry leaves, including vinegars, syrups, teas, and salsas.
Health benefits of strawberries
A study published in August 2023 by San Diego State University found that eating strawberries daily can improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and increase antioxidant capacity.
Additionally, Allison Tallman, R.D., registered dietitian and founder of Nourished Routes, told Medical News Today that she hopes to see more research uncovering a link between these sweet berries and cancer prevention.
Mr Tallman said: “The connections between strawberries and gut health, strawberries and brain health, strawberries and heart health have been well-studied.
“Strawberries contain antioxidants, so I'd like to see more research done on strawberries and cancer prevention.”
