(01-08-12) Strawberries again vindicated in the fight against heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline

by John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Flavonoids from many fruits have been associated with potent
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help prevent a host of diseases
ranging from cardiovascular ailments and metabolic disorders to dementia and
cognitive decline. Increased antioxidant activity promoted by consumption of
strawberries is essential to halt damage to metabolically active organs such as
the heart and brain, and when consumed as part of a regular dietary regimen can
prevent cellular damage associated with chronic disease and early death.

Researchers from the University of Warwick in the UK have been studying the
beneficial effects of strawberries on our cardiovascular health, particularly
with regard to how they prevent the development of heart disease and diabetes.
A study team led by Dr. Paul Thornalley has found that extracts from
strawberries positively activate a protein in our bodies called 'Nrf2' which is
shown to increase antioxidant and other protective activities. The protein
decreases total blood lipids and levels of oxidized cholesterol, two elements
known to promote cardiovascular disease.

Strawberries influence the expression of digestive genes to improve
cholesterol absorption
Prior research has shown how consumption of strawberries can counter post-meal
blood glucose surges and improve dangerous levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol,
thereby decreasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. This is the first
time that strawberry extracts have been demonstrated to positively stimulate
proteins that offer us protection against disease.

Dr. Thornalley commented "We've discovered the science behind how strawberries
work to increase our built-in defenses to keep cells, organs and blood vessels
healthy and which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems
such as heart disease and diabetes." Strawberries and other members of the
berry family modify our blood cholesterol profile with an effect similar to
that seen with a high fiber diet, where cholesterol is absorbed in the
intestines before it can be processed by the liver.

Strawberries accomplish this effect by down-regulating the impact of genes in
the digestive tract that influence cholesterol absorption. The berries can also
impact how the liver processes cholesterol, the degree of damaging oxidation
and re-absorption of cholesterol for use by the trillions of cells throughout
the body. As with most other natural foods that are shown to influence the
expression of individual genes, only small quantities (one to two servings of
strawberries, several days a week) of the super fruit are needed to provide
positive health benefits that may help prevent a host of chronic illnesses.

Sources for this article include:

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120704124107.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/244647.php
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/uow-sap070412.php

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