“Healing with Food” – Eating Strawberries Associated with Heart Health and Cardiometabolic Advantages
During the 9th biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium (BHBS) in Tampa, FL, the latest research on strawberries was presented, shedding light on their potential benefits for heart health. These findings contribute to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the concept of “food as medicine” and the positive impact of strawberry consumption on cardiovascular well-being.
The Impact of Strawberries on Cardiometabolic Well-being
Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and BHBS Heart and Healthy Aging Session Chair, emphasized that a diet low in fruit is one of the top three danger factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.
Addressing this “fruit gap” requires increasing both the quantity and variety of fruit in our diets. Emerging evidence in cardiometabolic health indicates that incorporating as little as one cup of strawberries into daily consumption may yield beneficial effects.
The Broad Influence of Strawberries
Studies have demonstrated that strawberry consumption offers multi-faceted advantages for cardiometabolic health. These benefits include reducing total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, enhancing vascular relaxation and tone, decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, improving insulin resistance, and regulating blood sugar levels.
Clinical trials have even linked strawberries to improvements in various markers for cardiovascular disease, such as lipid levels.
Strawberries’ Effect on Insulin Resistance
A randomized controlled crossover trial involving 33 obese adults revealed that daily consumption of two-and-a-half cups of strawberries significantly improved insulin resistance and moderately enhanced the size of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles compared to the control group. These findings further underscore the potential role of strawberries in promoting heart health and managing cardiometabolic conditions.
Lead researcher Arpita Basu, Ph.D., R.D.N., who is an associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, stated that their study provides support for the notion that consuming strawberries can enhance cardiometabolic health risks. Additionally, the evidence suggests that strawberries could play a significant role in a “food as medicine” approach to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.
In another study conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology, involving 34 adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia, it was found that strawberry intake led to improved vascular function, as indicated by enhanced flow-mediated dilation one hour after consumption.
Strawberries are a widely favored and easily accessible fruit in the U.S., loved for their flavor by consumers of all ages. With just one cup (equivalent to 8 strawberries), individuals can meet their daily recommended vitamin C intake while gaining access to various other essential nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds. Available year-round, strawberries offer a versatile and convenient fruit option for both kids and adults alike.
Read the original article on ScietechDaily.
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