Introduction

Scientists have found that eating fresh strawberries can prevent the accumulation of body fat that causes heart attacks and strokes.

Study on Vitamin C-rich Fruits

Their study found that fruits rich in vitamin C protected against fatal arterial blockage caused by high cholesterol, and the benefits could be seen as early as an hour after consumption.

Scientists at Setsunan University in Osaka, Japan wanted to see how the health effects manifested after eating the fruit.

The Experiment

They gave 23 healthy volunteers, all young women in their early twenties, 500 grams of strawberry puree or a sugary drink. After half an hour, blood samples were taken – the process was repeated every 30 minutes for another four hours.

Results

The results, published in the journal Nutritional Science, showed that the strawberry group had lower markers of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL formation, than those who received the sugar-flavored treat.

LDL is a harmful form of cholesterol that can cause narrowing and blockage of blood vessels.

Clots that form later can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

These benefits appeared within an hour of consuming the strawberry puree and persisted for at least four hours thereafter.

Conclusion

In a report on their findings, the researchers stated, “Strawberries are an important source of nutrients, and studies show that a higher intake of fruits like strawberries is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Source

Source: Daily Mail