In April 2020 researchers from Japan, China and Egypt published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effect of strawberries on cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (6 for blood pressure, 7 for lipid profile, 7 for fasting blood glucose, and 6 for C-reactive protein) and were included in the review. Results showed that overall, strawberries appeared to significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels (an inflammatory marker) but had no affect on blood pressure, lipid profile, or fasting blood glucose. However, a further analysis revealed that strawberries significantly reduced total cholesterol in individuals who had a high level of over 5 mmol/L as well as reducing LDL(bad)-cholesterol when levels were over 3 mmol/L at the beginning of the relevant studies. The researchers therefore concluded that strawberries appeared to significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels and may improve total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in individuals with high levels.
Gao Q et al. Effects of Strawberry Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Br J Nutr. 2020 Apr 2;1-20. [Epub ahead of print]