Daily strawberry consumption can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to a new study that highlights the heart health benefits of this beloved fruit. Strawberries, known not only for their delightful taste but also for their nutritional value, have long been recognized as a favorite among Americans, as reported by SciTech Daily.
The findings were presented at Nutrition 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held on June 30 in Chicago. Dr. Lasantha Krishan Hirimuthugoda, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology, shared the results of the study, which examined the effects of strawberry consumption on cardiovascular health and glucose control.
The research focused on the dose-related impact of strawberry intake on endothelial function and glucose regulation, specifically investigating how flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses—an important marker of blood vessel health—relate to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The study involved 68 participants (36 women and 32 men) aged between 20 and 62 years, all with a body mass index (BMI) of 29.8±4.8 kg/m².
Researchers found that consuming strawberries daily for four weeks significantly improved FMD percentages, indicating better vascular function. This suggests a dose-response relationship where higher strawberry intake led to greater improvements in endothelial health (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). However, preliminary analyses of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data showed no significant differences in glucose control between interventions (Kruskal-Wallis test, p>0.05).
Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, a co-author of the study and professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, emphasized the importance of fruit in reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. “A diet low in fruit is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” Burton-Freeman explained. “Adding as little as one cup of strawberries a day to your diet may show beneficial effects on your cardiovascular health.”
In addition to supporting heart health, a serving of eight strawberries (about one cup) provides the full daily recommended value of vitamin C, along with other essential nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to overall well-being. This study reinforces the role strawberries can play as a simple and delicious way to promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.