Daily strawberry consumption could be key to improving prediabetes and cholesterol levels, according to new research.
A groundbreaking study has found that eating 2.5 servings of strawberries daily for 12 weeks significantly improves prediabetes status and overall cardiometabolic health in adults.
The research demonstrated that strawberries can improve multiple aspects of health in people with prediabetes, a condition that puts individuals at higher risk for both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Prediabetes represents a growing public health concern both in the UK and worldwide.
Participants experienced decreased body weight during the strawberry consumption phase
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The findings suggest that incorporating strawberries into daily diets could be a simple yet effective nutritional intervention for those at risk.
Researchers focused specifically on prediabetes, an area where previous clinical trials have shown mixed results.
The study revealed significant improvements in several key health markers during the strawberry consumption period.
Participants showed better glycemic control, with notable decreases in serum insulin, insulin resistance, fasting glucose, and glycated haemoglobin compared to the control period.
Total cholesterol levels also dropped significantly.
Researchers observed "significantly improved glycemic control (serum insulin, insulin resistance, fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin) and serum total cholesterol in an adjusted model vs control," their report stated in the Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers documented these improvements using an adjusted statistical model that accounted for various factors, including age, sex, ethnicity, and physical activity.
Beyond blood sugar benefits, participants experienced decreased body weight during the strawberry consumption phase.
Inflammation markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, were also reduced.
The improvements were observed after consuming 32 grams of freeze-dried strawberries daily, equivalent to about 2.5 servings of fresh strawberries.
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Strawberries could be a practical dietary addition for managing prediabetes
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These findings suggest strawberries could be a practical dietary addition for managing prediabetes and improving overall cardiometabolic health.
The research was conducted as a 28-week randomised controlled crossover study involving 25 adults with prediabetes.
Participants were monitored during both the strawberry consumption and control (no strawberry) periods, each lasting 12 weeks.
Researchers collected anthropometric, clinical, and dietary data, along with blood samples at baseline, six, 12, 16 (washout), 22, and 28 weeks.
The study employed a mixed-model ANOVA to examine treatment effects while accounting for various factors including treatment, time, randomisation order, and demographic characteristics.
"These findings show a 2.5 servings dose of strawberries consumed daily for 12 weeks can improve prediabetes status, as well as overall cardiometabolic profile in adults," the researchers concluded.
The results highlight strawberries as a feasible nutritional intervention that could help address the growing public health concern of prediabetes.
