Strawberries are not only popular for their sweet and tangy flavor but also a new study reveals that daily consumption can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.
The research focused on cardiovascular health and better glucose control and was presented on June 30 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago.
Dr. Lisanta Krishan Herimothgoda, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology, presented the findings of the study.
The study also included an examination of the effects of strawberries on endothelial function and glucose control.
The research involved 36 women and 32 men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 29.8 ± 4.8 kg/m², aged 20 to 62 years.
The study particularly focused on the impact of increased blood flow on arteries and its potential effect on the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
The results showed that daily consumption of strawberries for 4 weeks improved blood flow in the arteries.
Professor Bert Burton Freeman from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a co-author of the study stated that low fruit intake is one of the three major risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
He further mentioned that adding a cup of strawberries daily to the diet could have very beneficial effects on heart health.
Additionally, one cup of strawberries can easily meet the daily requirement of Vitamin C and also provides many other essential nutrients and beneficial biological compounds.
