Eat Strawberries to Get Rid of Bad Cholesterol

Strawberries can dramatically reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, reveals new research. A few volunteers were asked to consume half a kilo of strawberries a day for a month to see whether it altered their blood parameters in any way. By the end of the month, their levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides had reduced significantly, according to the analyses conducted by Italian and Spanish scientists. "The study supports the protective role of the bioactive compounds in strawberries in tackling recognised markers and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases," said Maurizio Battino, director of the study. Strawberries are known for their antioxidant properties. Researchers from the Universit Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM, Italy), together with colleagues from the Universities of Salamanca, Granada and Seville (Spain), conducted an analysis that revealed that these fruits also help to reduce cholesterol. The team set up an experiment in which they added 500 grams of strawberries to the daily diets of 23 healthy volunteers over a month. The total amount of cholesterol, the levels of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and the quantity of triglycerides fell to 8.78 percent, 13.72 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively. Eating strawberries also improved other parameters such as the general plasma lipid profile, antioxidant biomarkers and platelet function. The researchers strongly believe the benefits lie in anthocyanins - the pigment that gives the fruit its red colour. The results were published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Related Links - Strawberries cut cardiac risk in women Berries: Perfect for a glowing skin Fructose has no impact on heart disease To control cholesterol, turn to pistachios Blueberries for a healthy heart The myths and facts about heart health More Indian youth suffering from heart diseases Drink green tea for healthy heart Skipping breakfast increases heart attack risk Mediterranean diet can cut heart disease, study finds Walnut's heart benefit decoded For the latest food news and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and get the NDTV Cooks app for Android or iOS.