Private MD News

Strawberries may boost heart health

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

A team of researchers from the University of Warwick in the UK is calling strawberries the new superfruit following a study in which they showed that the berries provide significant support for heart health. This may benefit individuals who have received unhealthy cholesterol test results.

In the study, the researchers showed that compounds in strawberries activate a protein called Nrf2. This molecule has been shown to play a protective role in the cardiovascular system. It functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing potentially harmful particles. This may counteract much of the damage caused by high cholesterol.

"We've discovered the science behind how strawberries work to increase our in-built defenses to keep cells, organs and blood vessels healthy and which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and diabetes," said Paul Thornally, the leader of the study.

Still, many people with impaired heart health avoid strawberries because they are associated with desserts. While not all dishes containing strawberries should be considered healthy, the berries do have important cardiovascular-boosting properties that should not be overlooked, Thornally said.