Benefits Of Strawberries To Regulate Cholesterol And Triglycerides

Do you know the benefits of strawberries to control cholesterol and triglyceride levels? Strawberries or strawberries are small fruits,  highly valued due to their low caloric content and because they are rich in vitamin C.

Also, as detailed in a publication through Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition , they have other vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, vitamin E, B complex and vitamin A. Among other things, they contain phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins , quercetin and catechin.

For this reason, strawberries are food that contributes to improving health. However, this time we will show you specifically why they can help against lipid profile runaways. Find out!

Are triglycerides bad?

Before knowing the benefits of strawberries to regulate blood lipids, let’s do a brief review about them. Triglycerides are the most abundant type of fat in the body. They function as an energy reserve, which the body will consume when necessary.

Normal blood triglyceride values ​​should be less than 150 mg. If they exceed 200mg, it is a significant elevation.

However, if the values ​​are higher than 500 mg there is a severe elevation. As a result, the risks of cardiovascular disease increase. The calories consumed through food and that are not transformed into energy end up being converted into triglycerides.

“Good” and “Bad” Cholesterol

For its part, cholesterol is a lipid substance found in our body. It is essential for our body to function properly.

However, when LDL (known as “bad”) cholesterol levels rise above 130 mg / dl, the risks of developing health problems are increased. This condition is dangerous, as it affects the heart, liver and even the brain.

Now, how are high cholesterol and triglycerides related to strawberries?

Benefits of strawberries against high cholesterol and triglycerides

According to a text published in the journal Antioxidants , antioxidants are chemicals that balance the aging process and cell damage. This includes infections, free radicals (toxic elements found in the environment, in sunlight or food), diseases and viruses to which we are exposed on a daily basis.

On the other hand, antioxidants help accelerate cell and lipid metabolism. In other words, they prevent the so-called “bad cholesterol” (LDL) from accumulating on the walls of the arteries. Although the human body naturally produces antioxidants, they can also be acquired through the consumption of foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E, among others.

Strawberries stand out for their antioxidant content. While in 100 grams of orange are 50 mg of vitamin C, strawberries contain 80 mg and other vitamins related to important levels of antioxidants.

According to researcher Balz Frei, cited in the book Foods for the health of the cardiovascular system , just by ingesting 160 mg of vitamin C every day, antioxidant vitamins help eliminate free radicals. In addition, it helps to prevent the transformation of high-density lipoproteins into LDL cholesterol, as well as the possibility of it infiltrating the arteries.

Also, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition , antioxidants in strawberries help reduce fat oxidation. This prevents the formation of deposits of lipoprotein particles (LDL cholesterol) in the inner layer of the arteries. In this way, they can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

On the other hand, according to the results of a 2014 research, the consumption of 500 grams of strawberries for a month supports the reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Fiber: useful for lowering cholesterol and triglycerides

Another benefit of strawberries to regulate cholesterol and triglycerides is attributed to its fiber content. According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , fiber helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides. On the other hand, it decreases the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood.

Final note

Although strawberries have shown benefits in regulating high cholesterol and triglycerides, it is essential to make it clear that they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Therefore, it is only advisable to add them in the diet as a nutritional supplement. It is even best to first consult with the nutritionist.

In any case, consuming this food on a regular basis is positive for the body. The important thing is to try to consume them in their natural form, without added sugar or the like, and within the framework of a balanced and healthy diet.