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WHole berries are known for their long-lasting health benefits thanks to their high fiber and polyphenol profile, as well as their low energy (calorie) intake in the daily diet.
Now, new research from the University of Nevada published in Nutrients, reveals that adding strawberries to diets may improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults who are obese or have high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (less favorable).
In the randomized, controlled, crossover trial, 33 adults (mean age 53) were given a controlled daily amount of strawberry powder in four-week phases – equivalent to one or two and a half servings of strawberries each. Participants were asked to follow their usual lifestyle but refrain from eating other berries.
It found that the equivalent of two and a half daily servings of strawberries significantly improved cardiometabolic risks in this “at risk” population group compared to the control group, primarily by improving insulin resistance and lipid particle profiles. .
Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and advisor to the berry industry body British Summer Fruits, said: “These are some really interesting findings. Around 7.6 million people in the UK are currently living with heart and circulatory disease. We know that a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a healthy diet, can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, prevent weight gain, and lower the risk of diabetes.
“Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is important for your health, and that’s another indication that eating berries, as part of that, might be a good option for many people. We know we should aim for around five servings. fruit and vegetables per day In the UK, one serving of small fresh fruit is equivalent to about seven strawberries.
“Therefore, adding strawberries as a breakfast topping, eating them as a snack between meals, or serving with natural yogurt as a dessert could all contribute to daily servings of fruit and the health benefits they offer.”
British Summer Fruits is an organization which accounts for 95 percent of the berries supplied to UK supermarkets. It funds Love Fresh Berries – a year-round campaign that celebrates the seasonality of red berries.
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