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Chicago, IL – June 30, 2024 – Strawberries, America’s beloved fruit, are now gaining attention for their potential heart health benefits. A groundbreaking study unveiled at Nutrition 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, highlights the remarkable cardiovascular advantages of daily strawberry consumption.
The study, presented by Dr. Lasantha Krishan Hirimuthugoda, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology, delves into the impact of strawberries on cardiovascular health and glucose control. The research focuses on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and its relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, showcasing how strawberries might play a significant role in improving heart health.
Study Details and Findings
The research involved 68 participants—36 women and 32 men—ranging from 20 to 62 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) averaging 29.8. Over a period of four weeks, participants incorporated strawberries into their daily diet. The study assessed the effects of strawberry intake on FMD, a measure of endothelial function critical to cardiovascular health.
The results revealed a notable enhancement in FMD% among those consuming strawberries daily, indicating a dose-response relationship with lower FMD% in the control group (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). Preliminary continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) results showed no significant differences in baseline glucose changes between the interventions (Kruskal-Wallis test p>0.05).
A logistic regression analysis suggested that a 2% increase in FMD, an indicator of reduced CVD risk, was associated with strawberry intake, which decreased CVD risk by a remarkable 8-fold compared to the control group (p<0.001). Sensitivity analyses corroborated these findings, with odds ratios ranging from 7.029 to 8.029 (p=0.002 to p<0.001).
Expert Commentary and Nutritional Value
Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, a co-author of the study and professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, emphasized the importance of fruit consumption in preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. “A diet low in fruit is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” she noted. “Adding as little as one cup of strawberries a day to your diet may show beneficial effects on your cardiovascular health.”
Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. A serving of eight strawberries—equivalent to one cup—provides the daily recommended value of vitamin C, along with various other beneficial compounds. Available throughout the year, strawberries are a versatile fruit option that is both nutritious and appealing to people of all ages.
As research continues to uncover the health benefits of this vibrant fruit, incorporating strawberries into your daily diet could be a simple yet effective strategy to support heart health and overall wellness.
