Eating strawberries may provide benefits to your health. Specifically, scientific evidence indicates strawberries affect several pathways related to heart health. Strawberries may also provide anti-cancer benefits, due to the antioxidants in them.
Lower LDL Cholesterol
Strawberries may help lower cholesterol levels. A study published in December 2008 in “Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental” found that strawberries lowered the amount of low-density lipoprotein, or the “bad” cholesterol, in the blood in hyperlipidemic patients. Hyperlipidemia is a condition where the body is unable to regulate cholesterol levels. Since LDL is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, eating strawberries may reduce the risk level for these diseases.
Atherosclerosis Prevention
There is some evidence that strawberries may prevent atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries are hardened and lose function. Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of symptoms including excessive abdominal fat, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. A study published in July 2009 in “Nutrition Research” found that in obese people with metabolic syndrome, freeze-dried strawberry powder improved some of the risk factors for atherosclerosis. For example, it reduced the capacity of plaque to adhere to the walls of the vascular system.
