Strawberries help prevent cardiovascular diseases

Adding strawberries to your meal could have some unexpected benefits to your health, as a new study suggests that this traditional summer fruit may help prevent cardiovascular problems.

Scientists at the University of Warwick have been studying the beneficial effects of strawberries on our cardiovascular health, particularly around how they prevent the development of heart disease and diabetes.

The team of scientists headed by professor Paul discovered that extracts from strawberries positively activate a protein in our bodies called `Nrf2` which is shown to increase antioxidant and other protective activities, the university said in a press release.

This protein works to decrease blood lipids and cholesterol, the very things which can lead to cardiovascular problems.

Eating strawberries has previously been found to counter post-meal blood glucose and low density lipoprotein, or `bad` cholesterol and therefore decrease risk of diabetes and heart disease, but this is the first time that strawberry extracts have been proved to actively stimulate proteins that offer us protection against disease.

"We`ve discovered the science behind how strawberries work to increase our in-built defences to keep cells, organs and blood vessels healthy and which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and diabetes," Professor Thornalley said.

"So don`t feel guilty about serving up strawberries and cream although I`d suggest more strawberries and less or even no cream," he added.

Screening and mathematical modelling techniques developed at the University of Warwick can now take this research further to help identify the best varieties of strawberries, how they are served or processed and how many strawberries should be eaten for optimum health benefit.


BDST: 1240 HRS, JULY 14, 2012
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor