Strawberries may help reduce 'bad' cholesterol
March 12, 2009 by Personal Liberty News Desk
New information has emerged about the cholesterol-fighting properties of strawberries.
The sweet fruit is a known source of antioxidants which have anti-cancer benefits. But, according to a study conducted at the University of Toronto, they also help improve and maintain the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering diets.
The study looked at 28 men and women with high cholesterol who were on a diet to lower it. One half of the group was asked to add three cups of strawberries per day.
The researchers found that those who consumed strawberries showed evidence of reduced oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol. LDL is the ‘bad’ cholesterol that is even more damaging when it becomes oxidized.
It is responsible for arteriosclerosis which can lead to a heart
attack, the leading cause of death in both men and women in the U.S.
"As more Americans embrace healthy eating trends to promote their own health and guard against illness, these types of findings are important," says Dr. David J.A. Jenkins, the author of the study.
"Diet plays a crucial role in lowering cholesterol and including antioxidant-rich strawberries in a healthy diet is a behavior change that’s simple and delicious to make," he adds.