June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day!
Did you know that strawberries do more than just fuel us for the day?
Strawberries are not only fantastic in desserts, but these powerhouse berries pack a punch with their high fiber content, vitamins, and antioxidants. These wonderful berries support our heart health and minds, improve bone density, fight inflammation, and possibly reduce weight gain. In honor of National Strawberry Shortcake Day, we’re sharing some amazing studies about these delicious berries and what regular consumption of them can do for our overall health and well-being.
Supports Heart Health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, eating a few strawberries regularly can protect your heart health. Current research has found that strawberries may prevent multiple conditions that can lead to stroke, heart disease, and diabetes (which increases your risk of developing heart disease).
A randomized controlled trial found that berry consumption had favorable effects on HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and platelet function—all contributing factors to heart health. In this study, middle-aged, unmedicated participants who consumed berries for eight weeks experienced improvements in blood pressure, platelet function, and HDL cholesterol, contributing to their overall cardiovascular health.
Another study found that strawberry flavonoids and antioxidants reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Study participants drank two cups of a strawberry drink daily for four weeks. After four weeks, the participants’ total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) were lower! This study specifically studied freeze-dried strawberries, demonstrating that different forms of strawberries support improved health.
Promotes Improved Bone Density
One study found that a group of study participants who consumed a cup and a half of strawberries daily significantly increased their insulin-like growth factors compared to the control group. This growth hormone is responsible for stimulating bone resorption and forming healthy bones, showing that strawberries may encourage improved bone density and health.
Another study found that strawberry supplementation may reduce inflammation and pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis, showcasing this berry’s ability to support bone health.
Interested in supporting your bone health? Try our Bone Support Capsules, which contain strawberry leaves, peppermint, red raspberry leaves, red clover, and alfalfa to encourage blood purification, which supports healthy bone development and repair.
May Protect Against Cognitive Decline
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which are believed to have substantial health benefits. Antioxidants may protect and safeguard our cells. For example, the Rush Memory and Aging Project results found that dementia-free people aged 58 to 98 years old were 34% less likely to develop dementia when they ate one or more servings of strawberries per week.
In addition, The Nurses’ Health Study followed over 16,000 participants for years to determine whether a diet rich in flavonoids from berries slowed cognitive decline in older women. Amazingly, this study found that the participants who consumed more blueberries and strawberries experienced less mental decline, even when adjusting for other potential causes. Berry intake appeared to delay cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years.
Researchers also believe that strawberries may reduce inflammation, which has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Interested in other herbal remedies that can improve your memory and mental clarity? Read our article on the top three herbal nootropics.
May Help Fight Inflammation and Weight Gain
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins and polyphenols, some of which are specifically linked to inflammation reduction. These compounds may help control insulin resistance and weight gain. The same study found that participants with osteoarthritis consuming strawberries reported improvements in pain and inflammation reduction.
Strawberries are anti-inflammatory due to their high vitamin C content. According to the Cleveland Clinic, strawberries are a fantastic source of vitamin C, which supports wound healing and your immune system and lowers your stress response. By encouraging the immune system and improving our stress response, vitamin C may decrease inflammation triggered by illness or daily stressors.
A study review looked at over 12 inflammatory biomarkers and noticed that inflammation dropped when participants had a higher intake of anthocyanins and flavonols (which strawberries are rich in). Some experienced as much as a 27% reduction in inflammation, and the study review concluded that a modest intake of flavonoids reduces disease risk.
Supplement with Strawberries
While eating strawberries regularly is ideal, it’s not always feasible when you run out of these berries between grocery runs or the fruit is out of season where you live.
We recommend trying some of our amazing strawberry supplements to give your body a boost!
- Reds & Blues Powder: We packed this vegan and 100% natural powder with red and blue superfruits, like strawberries, acai berry, and blueberries, to give you an invigorating boost of energy to fuel your body and mind all day. Whether you’re trying to add some extra antioxidants and flavonoids to your diet or are looking for a pre-workout shake powder, this vibrant powder is a Herb Stop favorite.
- Pine-Strawberry Forest Tea: This antioxidant-rich tea contains freeze-dried strawberries, rosehips, honeybush, and wild-harvested pine needles to provide a relaxing mental break that’ll take you right to the forest.
- Strawberry Black Tea: A wonderful, caffeinated option to start the day strong! This Ceylon black tea contains strawberries and raspberry leaf to provide you with a boost of folate and vitamin C.
- Stop the Sniffles Tea: Struggling with allergies? This powerful herbal tisane has stinging nettles and refreshing freeze-dried strawberries and spearmint to support your immune system during allergy season.
- Wild Strawberry Herb & Fruit Tea: This caffeine-free tea has a stunning color and isn’t overly sweet. It’s a sumptuous choice for the late afternoon or early evening when you want a delicious pick-me-up without the accompanying caffeine jitters.
- Strawberry Basil Rooibos Tea: This tea contains both freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry leaves, along with other supportive ingredients like basil leaf, lemongrass, and rose petals. Enjoy iced or cold!
Don’t forget to check out our scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Herb & Fruit Tea in honor of National Strawberry Shortcake Day! It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a refreshing cup of this caffeine-free tea iced.
Best Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |