It’s hard not to love strawberries! These ruby-colored gems add delicious flavor to any meal of the day – whether they’re cooked, frozen, blended, or as-is, fresh from the farm. But there’s more to love about strawberries than just their great taste: Studies show that strawberries also are one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Just 8 strawberries a day (about one cup) pack a powerful nutritional punch. In fact, one cup of this sweet, versatile fruit has more vitamin C than an orange, nearly half the sugar of an apple, a third of the calories of a banana and twice the fiber of a serving of grapes!

Here are more reasons why you should make strawberries a go-to staple all year long:

They’re heart-smart

Research suggests adding strawberries to your daily diet could help stave off cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure. That’s because they’re packed with heart-protective nutrients including vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium and antioxidants. What’s more, studies show that strawberries may even slash your risk of a heart attack. Researchers have found that women who ate more than three servings of anthocyanin-rich strawberries and blueberries weekly cut their risk of a heart attack by more than 30 percent, compared to women who did not consume berries.

They could give your memory a boost

Eating strawberries on a regular basis may help your mind stay sharp as you age. Strawberries are rich in compounds known as flavonoids, which act as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Researchers believe they may help to offset the negative effects stress and inflammation in the brain and delay age-related memory loss. One report published in the Annals of Neurology found that diets rich in strawberries may delay cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years.

Animal studies indicate that consuming berries may also boost memory and motor function.

They may help fight cancer

Strawberries contain nutrients – such as fiber, folate, vitamin C, ellagic acid, and flavonoids – that, according to research, may reduce the risk of cancer. Scientists believe that these nutrients work together to reduce cellular damage resulting from inflammation and oxidative stress. In animal studies, ellagic acid, a tannin found in strawberries, raspberries and walnuts, and quercetin, a flavonoid, have been shown to inhibit cancer cells.

They’re perfect for every meal

Whether you’re looking for a delicious compote for your pancakes or making a sweet and savory summer salad, strawberries will add vibrant color and sweet flavor to your dishes.