Scientists at the University of Warwick Medical School in the UK have been studying how strawberries interact with a specific protective protein in the body called “Nrf2.” Their findings may tempt you to add the berries to every meal: Strawberries activate the Nrf2 protein, which in turn decreases blood lipids and “bad” cholesterol. Essentially, this mighty berry was shown to prevent the buildup of compounds that directly cause heart attacks and diabetes. 12 Ways To Never Get Diabetes “The positive effects may be particularly achievable in people with metabolic syndrome,” says lead study author Paul Thornalley, PhD. That means people with obesity, high cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and trouble with glucose metabolism, may have the most to gain by making this berry a diet staple. The jury’s still out on the number of strawberries you need to eat to get the biggest protective benefit, but Thornalley estimates eating two to three servings a week should be beneficial for your health. [Need strawberry ideas? See our Light & Lucious Strawberry Recipies]. Plus, other berry fruits and leafy green Brassica vegetables (like cabbage and kale) may have similar health effects, says Thornalley.
One last tip? Be sure to buy organic strawberries when you can. Strawberries are the crop that’s the most heavily dosed with pesticides in the US, according to the FDA. [Check our 12 Most Contaminated Foods to see what other produce you should always buy organic]
