The authors of the study claim that eating two strawberries daily can improve cognitive functions, reduce blood pressure, and increase the body’s antioxidant capacity.
Scientists conducted a study with 35 healthy men and women aged 66 to 78 years. For eight weeks, the study participants consumed 26 g of freeze-dried “Trusted Source” strawberry powder daily, equivalent to two fresh strawberries, or control powder.
After two months, i.e., at the end of the study, scientists found that those who ate strawberries had a 5.2% increase in cognitive processing speed, a 3.6% decrease in systolic blood pressure, and a 10.2% increase in antioxidant capacity compared to those who consumed control powder, which had nothing to do with strawberries.
“This study shows that regular consumption of strawberries can promote cognitive function and improve cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension. We are pleased that such a simple dietary change can improve these outcomes in older adults,” said one of the study authors, Dr. Shirin Hooshmand, to Medical News Today.
Why are strawberries so beneficial to health?
Strawberries were first cultivated in France at the end of the 18th century. However, they could be found in the wild as far back as Roman times.
Today, strawberries are grown in many countries worldwide, with the most produced in the United States, Turkey, and Spain. From these countries, they are exported almost year-round worldwide.
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Strawberries contain many vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain body health, including vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, and folates (vitamin B9).
Additionally, strawberries are very high in vitamin C – eating just eight strawberries provides the entire daily recommended amount of vitamin C.
It is also known that strawberries contain many antioxidants, including polyphenols and phytosterols. Polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while phytosterols help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Previous research data showed that strawberry consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and may even help prevent cancer.
What is the healthiest way to eat strawberries? Experts recommend that most adults eat about eight large strawberries daily. It is best to consume them fresh, with minimal processing. They can be added to smoothies or used to experiment with new dishes.
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