(Web Desk) — Daily consumption of strawberries can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to a new study highlighting the health benefits of this popular fruit.

Strawberries, known for their taste and popularity, play a significant role in promoting heart health, as reported by SciTech Daily.

At Nutrition 2024, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition held on June 30 in Chicago, new research on cardiovascular health and improved glucose control was presented by Dr. Lasantha Krishan Hirimuthugoda, a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The study investigated the dose-related effects of strawberry intake on endothelial function and glucose control, specifically focusing on the relationship between flow-mediated dilation (FMD) responses and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

The study included 36 women and 32 men, aged 20 to 62 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 29.8±4.8 kg/m2. Researchers assessed the effects of strawberry intake on FMD and its impact on CVD risk.

Results showed that eating strawberries daily for four weeks significantly influenced the FMD percentage (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001), suggesting a dose-response effect. Preliminary analyses of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) did not show significant differences between interventions in changes from baseline (Kruskal-Wallis test, p>0.05).

“A diet low in fruit is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” said co-author Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. “Adding as little as one cup of strawberries a day to your diet may show beneficial effects on your cardiovascular health.”

A serving of eight strawberries (one cup) meets the daily recommended value of vitamin C and provides a host of other nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds.