2023-08-06 19:10:10
The hidden power of strawberries: a fruit that goes beyond the palate (Illustrative image Infobae)
These juicy red fruits, known in some South American countries as “frutillas” and in most Spanish-speaking countries as “fresas”, are much more than just a seasonal treat. Years of research have revealed multiple health benefits associated with its consumption. From boosting brain function to protecting the heart, these delicious fruits prove to be extraordinarily nutritious.
A recent study from San Diego State University found that eating the equivalent of two cups of fresh strawberries a day can improve brain function and lower blood pressure, Good Housekeeping reported. The study looked at adults who consumed powdered freeze-dried strawberries daily for two months. Participants showed improvements on cognitive tests that assessed things like memory and processing speed, and also experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure.
“Despite the study’s small sample size, these findings are significant, especially when considered in the context of the older adult population,” dietitian Jaclyn London tells Good Housekeeping. While the antioxidant content of strawberries has long been recognized, it is notable to highlight the tangible cognitive benefits of consuming this freeze-dried fruit. According to the researchers, the anti-inflammatory effects and high levels of antioxidants in strawberries likely contribute to these brain health benefits.
Experts reveal the fruit to include daily to boost brain function. (Illustrative image Infobae)
The promising research on strawberries and brain health comes from a recent study by Dr. Shirin Hooshmand and colleagues at San Diego State University, according to Good Housekeeping. Their study looked at regarding 35 healthy older adults who consumed either freeze-dried powdered strawberries or a control powder daily for 8 weeks.
The strawberry or strawberry powder provided the equivalent of regarding 2 cups of fresh strawberries per day. At the end of the study, the strawberry group experienced a 5.2% increase in cognitive processing speed, a 3.6% decrease in systolic blood pressure, and a 10.2% increase in antioxidant levels. .
As Dr. Hooshmand, a registered dietitian, explained: “After daily consumption of strawberries (equivalent to two cups of fresh strawberries) for 8 weeks, cognitive processing speed increased by 5.2%, systolic blood pressure decreased by 3, 6% and the total antioxidant capacity increased significantly by 10.2%”.
Although the size of the study was small, it adds to previous research suggesting the brain-boosting potential of strawberries. Dr. Hooshmand and her team are preparing other studies to further analyze the effects of strawberries in different populations.
Strawberries: the red fruit that holds secrets for brain and heart health. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Other studies suggest that strawberries may prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The Rush Memory and Aging Project found that people who ate the most strawberries had a 34% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The antioxidants in strawberries appear to protect once morest Alzheimer’s-related inflammation and cell damage.
In addition to being beneficial for the brain, strawberries also offer cardiovascular benefits. “Eating a few strawberries not only satisfies your appetite, but it’s also a heart-healthy choice,” dietitian Bailey Flora tells the Cleveland Clinic. The fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory effects of strawberries support heart health. Research indicates that eating strawberries can lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and improve insulin sensitivity. According to a Finnish study, strawberries attenuate the peak of insulin and blood sugar following eating white bread, evidencing its potential once morest diabetes, published the WebMD health and wellness news site.
With an outstanding nutritional profile, like 160% of the daily value of vitamin C per cup, strawberries pack more benefits in every bite. “They are delicious and naturally low in sugar. It’s an unbeatable combination,” Flora told the Cleveland Clinic. Packed with vitamin C, manganese, folate and polyphenols, strawberries provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that boost immunity, slow aging and fight disease, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The next time you see a handful of juicy strawberries or red strawberries, remember that they are more than just a snack. Incorporating strawberries into your diet can offer tangible benefits for your brain, heart, blood sugar levels, and more.
The hidden power of strawberries: beyond its sweetness, an unexpected ally for brain and heart health. (Illustrative image Infobae)
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