Strawberries help prevent cardiovascular diseases

The team of scientists headed by professor Paul discovered that extracts from strawberries positively activate a protein in our bodies called ‘Nrf2’ which is shown to increase antioxidant and other protective activities,the university said in a press release.

This protein works to decrease blood lipids and cholesterol,the very things which can lead to cardiovascular problems.

Eating strawberries has previously been found to counter post-meal blood glucose and low density lipoprotein,or ‘bad’ cholesterol and therefore decrease risk of diabetes and heart disease,but this is the first time that strawberry extracts have been proved to actively stimulate proteins that offer us protection against disease.

“We’ve discovered the science behind how strawberries work to increase our in-built defences to keep cells,organs and blood vessels healthy and which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and diabetes,” Professor Thornalley said.

“So don’t feel guilty about serving up strawberries and cream although I’d suggest more strawberries and less or even no cream,” he added.

Screening and mathematical modelling techniques developed at the University of Warwick can now take this research further to help identify the best varieties of strawberries,how they are served or processed and how many strawberries should be eaten for optimum health benefit.