Daily strawberry consumption (between one and four cups per day) improves outcomes of lipid metabolism and inflammation in those at increased cardiovascular risk, according to a new review paper published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
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Strawberries are a natural and delicious way to support heart health and manage cholesterol. Image credit: D. Сroisy.
“Strawberries provide a number of potential health promoting phytonutrients to include phenolics, polyphenols, fiber, micronutrients and vitamins,” said University of California, Davis researcher Roberta Holt and colleagues.
“The objective of our review is to provide a comprehensive summary of recent human studies pertaining to the intake of strawberry and strawberry phytonutrients on human health.”
For the review, the authors conducted a literature search through PubMed and Cochrane databases.
They consolidated findings from 60 articles (47 clinical trials and 13 observational studies) published between 2000 and 2023.
They found that strawberries are packed with beneficial phytonutrients like polyphenols and fiber, which help lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while reducing inflammation.
The result is enhanced overall heart health and better management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Whether fresh, frozen or in freeze-dried form, a daily dose of strawberries can have a substantial impact on cardiometabolic health especially in those at higher risk for heart disease.
By improving lipid metabolism and reducing systemic inflammation, strawberries aid in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
“Our review found that regular strawberry consumption not only lowers cholesterol but also helps reduce inflammation, which is a key driver of heart disease,” Dr. Holt said.
“This means that simply adding a cup of strawberries to your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.”
Beyond heart health, the team’s review revealed exciting benefits for brain health.
The findings suggest strawberries may help delay cognitive decline and protect against dementia, thanks to their rich flavonoid content.
“Strawberries may support cognitive function and combat oxidative stress, key factors in keeping the brain sharp as we age,” the researchers said.
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Prae Charoenwoodhipong et al. Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) intake on human health and disease outcomes: a comprehensive literature review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, published online September 11, 2024; doi: 10.1080/10408398.2024.2398634
