Freeze Dried Strawberry Supplement Could Improve Cholesterol Levels

According to research, a freeze-dried strawberry supplement could significantly lower cholesterol levels.

High blood cholesterol is an established risk factor for coronary heart disease. Research has shown that the higher the cholesterol level, the greater the coronary heart disease risk. Studies have demonstrated conclusively that lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reduces the chance of having a heart attack. Cholesterol levels tend to rise as we get older and there are usually no signs or symptoms that we have high blood cholesterol.

Strawberry flavonoids are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors in prospective cohort studies.

In this study, researchers studied 16 females with metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors that increase heart disease risk and other health problems such as diabetes and stroke.). Subjects consumed two cups of 25g freeze-dried strawberry powder in water daily for four weeks. Fasting blood draws, anthropometrics, dietary analyses, and blood pressure measurements were done at baseline (start of the study) and at 4 weeks.

Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower (-5% and -6%, respectively) at 4 weeks versus baseline. Lipid peroxidation (cell damage) in the form of malondialdehyde and hydroxynonenal was also significantly lowered by 14%. As well as improved cholesterol levels oxidized LDL showed a decreasing trend after 4 weeks.

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References:
1. Timothy J. Lyons, et al. Freeze-dried strawberry powder improves lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in women with metabolic syndrome: baseline and post intervention effects. Nutrition Journal 2009, 8:43. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-8-43.