New studies underline the health advantages of strawberries, indicating their capacity to boost heart health. Research has found that strawberries can reduce cholesterol and insulin resistance while enhancing vascular function. With a high concentration of nutrients, strawberries provide an easy and flexible dietary option for better health.
Data presented at the Berry Health Benefits Symposium reinforces the growing evidence emphasizing the medicinal potential of strawberries.
Earlier in the year, the newest findings concerning the heart health benefits of strawberries were shared at the 9th biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium (BHBS) in Tampa, FL. These findings augment the expanding scientific proof advocating the influence of strawberry consumption on heart health.
The Role of Strawberries in Cardiometabolic Health
According to Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and BHBS Heart and Healthy Aging Session Chair, “The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study reveals that a fruit-deficient diet is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To address this fruit deficiency, we need to amplify both the quantity and variety of fruit in our diets. Increasing evidence in cardiometabolic health suggests that even as little as a cup of strawberries daily could yield beneficial results.”
Benefits of Strawberry Intake
Research shows that the benefits of strawberry intake are varied and may include a reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, enhanced vascular relaxation and tone, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, diminished insulin resistance, and lowered blood sugar. Clinical trials have associated strawberries with improvements in various cardiovascular disease indicators, including lipid levels.
Strawberries and Insulin Resistance
In a randomized controlled crossover trial involving 33 obese adults, daily consumption of two-and-a-half cups of strawberries significantly improved insulin resistance and moderately improved high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size compared to the control group.
“Our study strengthens the idea that strawberry consumption can mitigate cardiometabolic risks,” stated the lead investigator, Arpita Basu, Ph.D., R.D.N., an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, “Moreover, we are convinced this evidence supports strawberries’ role in a ‘food as medicine’ approach for preventing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.”[1]
Strawberries and Vascular Function
Another research involving 34 adult men and women with moderate hypercholesterolemia, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology, revealed that vascular function, as determined by flow-mediated dilation, improved one hour after consuming strawberries.[2]
Strawberries: A Widely Available, Nutrient-Packed Fruit
Strawberries are among the most loved and readily available fruits in the U.S., making them a favorite amongst consumers. A serving of 8 strawberries (one cup) meets the daily recommended value of vitamin C and provides a range of other nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds. Available throughout the year, strawberries give consumers a versatile and convenient fruit option enjoyed by both children and adults.
References:
- “Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial by Arpita Basu” by Kenneth Izuora, Nancy M. Betts, Jefferson W. Kinney, Arnold M. Salazar, Jeffrey L. Ebersole and R. Hal Scofield, 23 April 2021, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu13051421
- “Strawberry Consumption, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Vascular Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia” by Leailin Huang, Di Xiao, Xuhuiqun Zhang, Amandeep K Sandhu, Preeti Chandra, Colin Kay, Indika Edirisinghe and Britt Burton-Freeman, 23 March 2021, The Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab034
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Health Benefits of Strawberries
Q: What are the health benefits of strawberries?
A: Strawberries offer several health benefits, particularly for heart health and cardiometabolic wellness. Recent research indicates that consuming strawberries can lead to a decrease in cholesterol levels and insulin resistance while improving vascular function. They are rich in nutrients, making them a versatile and accessible option for those seeking a healthier diet.
Q: What was presented at the Berry Health Benefits Symposium?
A: At the 9th biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium in Tampa, FL, the latest research on strawberries and their potential heart health benefits was presented. This research contributes to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the role of strawberry consumption in promoting heart health.
Q: How do strawberries impact cardiometabolic health?
A: Studies demonstrate that strawberry consumption has multi-faceted benefits for cardiometabolic health. These benefits may include reducing total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, improving vascular relaxation and tone, decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, reducing insulin resistance, and lowering blood sugar levels. Clinical trials have also linked strawberries to improvements in various markers for cardiovascular disease.
Q: Can strawberries help with insulin resistance?
A: Yes, research has shown that daily consumption of two-and-a-half cups of strawberries can significantly improve insulin resistance, especially in individuals with obesity. Additionally, it moderately improves high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size, indicating positive effects on metabolic health.
Q: How do strawberries improve vascular function?
A: Studies have found that one hour after consuming strawberries, vascular function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation, showed improvement. This suggests that strawberries may have a positive impact on blood vessel health.
Q: What nutrients do strawberries contain?
A: Strawberries are a nutrient-rich fruit, providing a range of essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of 8 strawberries (equivalent to one cup) meets the daily recommended value of vitamin C and contains beneficial bioactive compounds.
Q: Are strawberries a popular fruit?
A: Yes, strawberries are one of the most popular and accessible fruits in the U.S. They are loved by consumers for their delicious flavor and versatility. Strawberries are available year-round, making them a convenient fruit option enjoyed by both children and adults.
More about Health Benefits of Strawberries
- “Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial” by Arpita Basu, et al. (Nutrients): Link
- “Strawberry Consumption, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Vascular Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia” by Leailin Huang, et al. (The Journal of Nutrition): Link
6 comments
oh wow, strawberries is so gud for heart health? i had no idea! this research looks legit! gotta start eating more strawberries fo sho!
omg this symposium sounds berry cool! strawberries rock, and now they say it’s medicine?! im in!
strawberries = <3! they can help with cholesterol, insulin resitance, and blood sugar? sign me up!!
strawbs r so yum! now they got research backin’ it up as heart helpers? i’m lovin’ it! gotta keep that ticker pumpin’ right!
8 strawberries a day, keeps the doc away, haha! but srsly, imma eat them every day now!
cool studies, man! strawberries rockin’ it with the heart health and blood vessel thingy! gotta spread the word!