Researchers from the United States have linked daily strawberry consumption to improved cognitive function, lower blood pressure and increased antioxidant capacity in older adults.
This randomized clinical trial was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition (ASN). The study was conducted at San Diego State University and builds on previous research demonstrating the benefits of strawberries for cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive function.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 35 healthy men and women in aged from 66 to 78 years. Participants consumed 26 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder, equivalent to two servings of strawberries per day, or a control powder for eight weeks each.
After consuming strawberries, cognitive processing speed increased by 5.2%, and systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.6%, and the total antioxidant capacity increased significantly by 10.2%. Waist circumference decreased by 1.1% in both the control and experimental groups of the study. When participants consumed the control powder, participants saw an increase in serum triglyceride levels.
“This study shows that eating strawberries may help improve cognitive function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension,” Shirin said. Houshmand, a professor in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at San Diego State and senior author of the study. «We are encouraged that a simple dietary change, such as adding strawberries to the daily diet, can improve these outcomes in older adults.»