Did you know about the variety of benefits offered by strawberries

Strawberries are your favorite fruit, especially in the summer months, when they are in season and are perfect for a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. Their content of antioxidants and vitamin C has made them a perennial popular choice among health-conscious consumers, and new studies suggest that the health benefits of strawberries are numerous. Strawberries are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. They are low in calories and rich in vitamins C, B6, K, fiber, folic acid, potassium and amino acids.

From better brain function to anti-inflammatory effects, strawberry consumption can have a positive impact on health in several ways, according to the results of six studies presented at the annual conference of the American Society for Nutrition Nutrition 2020

Strawberries, for better brain function

Strawberries are rich in flavonoids , and eating a portion of fruit several times a week appears to be associated with a decrease in neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, according to research by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

“Our study found that a higher dietary intake of bioactive – pelargonidine, which is mainly present in strawberries –  can reduce the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease  in older adults,” said the study’s author, Dr. Puja Agarwal, who concluded that the role of the fruit in maintaining brain health in older adults justifies further study.

Increased heart health

Strawberries have also been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol levels, and recent studies have shown improvements in lipids in high-risk participants.

Two and a half servings of strawberries a day for four weeks appears to reduce small dense LDL particles, according to a study written by Dr. Arpita Basu of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, while the other study showed significant improvements in LDL. , non-HDL and total cholesterol levels in subjects who consumed even smaller amounts of fruit.

” Our results suggest that one serving of strawberries a day may improve cholesterol levels in overweight or obese adults , “ said Dr. Ann Skulas-Ray of the University of Arizona.

Good for the intestines

Three studies on the effects of fruit on the intestinal microbiome have produced remarkable results. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that prolonged daily consumption of strawberries altered the gut microbiota, and the effects were partially reversed after the subjects returned to a strawberry-free diet.

A diet that regularly includes strawberries may have the potential to reduce inflammation of the colon and increase bowel health, research from the Illinois Institute of Technology suggests.

In addition to the effects on gut health, a third study indicated a possible gut-heart connection that could benefit from the intake of strawberries. Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have associated the intake of strawberries with a significant increase in a type of bacteria that could help improve heart health.

A metabolic boost

The UC Davis study could also indicate a link between strawberry consumption and low blood sugar , as the initial analysis shows that adults at high risk for heart disease experienced a drop in blood sugar after consuming the equivalent. three servings of strawberries a day.

Dr. Basu, whose aforementioned study explored the effects of strawberries on LDL cholesterol, also noted possible metabolic benefits associated with the fruit.

Strawberries contain high levels of nitrates.  This has been shown to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles. Research suggests that people who eat strawberries before exercising or exercising have a higher endurance and burn more calories.

       What to remember?

• Helps better brain function
• Helps with heart health
• Helps bowel health
• Helps metabolism
• Ideal before sports training for greater endurance

Dahna encourages you to eat as many strawberries as possible!

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