Consuming strawberries may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and better regulate blood sugar, according to a team of researchers.
- Daily consumption of strawberries for 4 weeks “significantly influenced” flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. In short, the fruit improved the vascular function of the study participants.
- Strawberry intake reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by eight times compared to the control group, and helped the body regulate blood sugar.
- Rich in vitamin C and B9, fiber, potassium, phosphorus, antioxidants… Strawberries also boost the brain and prevent dementia, or even improve the functioning of the immune system.
As good for the taste buds as for the heart: strawberries, one of the French people’s favorite fruits, are supposedly the ideal food for taking care of your heart health, among other benefits. This is confirmed once again by a study presented at the end of June at the annual congress of theAmerican Society for Nutrition in Chicago.
Strawberry consumption and vascular function
Based on a hypothesis, researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology wanted to analyze the possible benefits of strawberry consumption on endothelial function, which helps maintain blood fluidity, as well as on blood sugar control, the level of glucose in the blood. As a reminder, endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of cardiovascular risk and the development of metabolic pathologies, while hyperglycemia, the definition of diabetes, can damage the artery walls and lead to cardiovascular disorders.
To do this, the scientists examined the effects of strawberry consumption on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses, a noninvasive ultrasound method used to assess cardiovascular endothelial function. The trial included a total of 36 women and 32 men aged 20 to 62 years, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.8, making them overweight. Some were given a diet rich in strawberries, while others were part of a control group.
As a result, it appeared that daily consumption of strawberries for 4 weeks had “significantly influenced” flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. Clearly, the fruits improved the vascular function of the participants. “In a model […] Using a 2% increase in FMD as an indicator of decreased cardiovascular disease risk, strawberry intake reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease eight-fold compared to the control group“, we can read in a communicated. Additionally, strawberries helped the body regulate blood sugar levels.
Low-fruit diet increases cardiovascular risk
Rich in vitamin C and B9, fiber, potassium, phosphorus, antioxidants… “Adding a daily serving of strawberries to your diet, about eight, can have beneficial effects on your cardiovascular health,” the authors state, recalling that“A diet low in fruit is one of the three main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”
The red fruit is not only good for the heart: various studies have shown that strawberries protect the brain and prevent dementia, or even boost the functioning of the immune system. Note that while the peak harvest season is mainly between April and June, some varieties can be found up until the beginning of autumn…
