(RxWiki News) Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake are at it again - saving the world one person at a time by telling people strawberries are a delicious, healthy fruit that can fight diseases.
Strawberries have a number of healthy nutrients - especially flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important because they have the ability to reduce oxidative stress, which is sort of like the body’s version of rusting.
"Eat strawberries to meet daily fruit and vegetable requirements."
Researchers from Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM) and the University of Granada (UGR), in Spain, have tested the effects strawberries have on oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs normally within the body. Over time and in excessive amounts, oxidative stress can damage cells and genes which can accelerate aging and lead to certain illnesses like cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
The study included 12 volunteers who were asked to eat 500 grams of strawberries (about 20) throughout the day for sixteen days. The researchers took blood samples from the volunteers every 4 days, with the last sample being taken a month later.
The researchers found that eating strawberries regularly throughout the day increased antioxidants in the blood which helps the red blood cells fight off oxidative stress.
Different studies are under way to determine the amount and type of strawberries that can provide the best benefits. Maurizio Battino, lead author of the study and researcher at UNIVPM, says the important thing is that strawberries should be a part of a healthy and balanced diet.
The research was published in the journal Food Chemistry.
