The risk of cardiovascular disease can be significantly reduced by eating strawberries every day, according to a new study highlighting the health benefits of this popular fruit.
Also known as America’s favorite fruit, strawberries are popular not only for their taste, but also play a significant role in supporting heart health, SciTech Daily reported.
A new study focusing on cardiovascular health and improved glucose control was presented at Nutrition 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. The meeting took place on June 30 in Chicago.
Dr Lasantha Krishan Hirimuthugoda, who is a postdoctoral researcher at the Illinois Institute of Technology, presented the research findings.
The dose-dependent effects of strawberry fruit intake on endothelial function and glucose control are part of a targeted research study. Specifically, it focuses on investigating the relationship of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk intervention.
With a body mass index (BMI) of 29.8±4.8 kg/m2, 36 women and 32 men between the ages of 20 and 62 were included in the study.
The researchers evaluated the effects of strawberry intake on FMD, as well as the relationship of FMD responses to the intervention on CVD risk.
Daily consumption of strawberries for 4 weeks compared to control indicated that the dose response towards the higher and lower median, respectively, significantly affected the percentage of FMD (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001).
Additionally, preliminary CGM analyzes (Kruskal-Wallis test p>0.05) indicated no significant differences between interventions in changes from baseline.
“A diet low in fruit is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” said co-author Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
He added: “Adding just one cup of strawberries a day to your diet can have beneficial effects on your cardiovascular health.”
It is noteworthy that a serving of 8 strawberries (one cup) will meet the daily recommended value of vitamin C. This fruit also provides a number of other nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds.
