In December 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the effects of dietary freeze-dried strawberries on obesity-related hormones, inflammatory biomarkers and lipid peroxidation (a process which can result in cell damage). A total of 17 individuals (4 men, 13 women; average age 57 years) were involved in the study. Each individual was assessed for inflammatory biomarkers and of the 24 biomarkers assessed, 12 were found in all samples tested. The individuals were then given either the freeze dried strawberries (50 g day) or placebo (50 g day, matched for calories and fibre) for 12-weeks and then two weeks later the alternate intervention for a further 12-week period. Results showed that following the stawberry consumption two of the inflammatory biomarkers, TNF-a and sTNF-R2, were significantly reduced. In addition, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, a marker of oxidative stress was also reduced. No changes in obesity-related hormones or osteocalcin were observed. The researchers concluded by stating that as these biomarkers may also reduce pain, further research is required.
Basu A et al. Strawberries decrease circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor and lipid peroxides in obese adults with knee osteoarthritis. Food Funct. 2018 Dec 13;9(12):6218-6226.