strawberries carb counts and health benefits

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease) is the most common cause of death worldwide.

Studies have found a relationship between berries, or berry anthocyanins, and improved cardiovascular health (21, 34, 35, 36).

Large observational studies, that included thousands of people, have linked berry consumption with lower risk of heart-related deaths (37, 38, 39).

According to a study in middle-aged people with well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, berries may increase HDL-cholesterol, lower blood pressure and improve the function of blood platelets (40).

Strawberries may also improve blood antioxidant status, decrease oxidative stress, inhibit inflammation, improve vascular function, improve the blood lipid profile and reduce the harmful oxidation of LDL-cholesterol

Blood Sugar Regulation

When carbohydrates are digested, they are broken down into simple sugars, which are then released into the bloodstream.

With increased blood sugar levels, the body starts secreting insulin, which tells cells to pick up the sugar from the bloodstream and use it for fuel or storage.

Imbalance in blood sugar regulation, or diets high in foods that lead to big spikes in blood sugar, are associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a serious disease, characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, beyond their normal boundaries.

Cancer formation and progression is often linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation (57, 58).

A number of studies suggest that berries may help prevent several types of cancer, through their ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation