Strawberries are not only popular for their tangy-sweet taste but also, according to a new study, regular consumption of them can significantly reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Media reports indicate that a study focusing on cardiovascular health and better glucose control was presented on June 30 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Chicago.
Dr. Lisanta Krishn Hemmuthgoda, a post-doctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology presented the results of this study which also examined the effects of strawberries on endothelial function and glucose control.
The study included 36 women and 32 men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 29.8 ± 4.8 kg/m² aged between 20 and 62 years.
The research specifically focused on the impact of increased blood flow on the arteries and its implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The results revealed that consuming strawberries daily for four weeks improved blood flow in the arteries.
Professor Bert Burton Freeman from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a co-author of the study noted that low fruit consumption is one of the three major risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
He further stated that including one cup of strawberries daily in the diet can have very beneficial effects on heart health.
Additionally, one cup of strawberries can easily meet the daily requirement of vitamin C and contains many other essential nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds.
