Emerging Evidence Shows Strawberries Can Help Lower Cholesterol

New Study Further Validates Advice to Eat More Strawberries to Improve Health

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a new
study published in the October 2009 issue of Nutrition Journal, women with
metabolic syndrome had reduced total cholesterol levels - including LDL -
after a brief period of daily consumption of a strawberry-based beverage.

This news comes on the heels of recent research conducted by David J.A.
Jenkins, MD, PhD, that showed antioxidant levels in strawberries can improve
and maintain the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering diets. Both of these
recent studies concluded that the cholesterol lowering effects may be
attributed to one or more of the following: antioxidants, fiber, or
phytochemicals in strawberries.

The new study found that women with metabolic syndrome who consumed two cups
of a beverage made with freeze-dried strawberry powder, twice a day for four
weeks, showed a decrease in cholesterol levels. This is important because high
cholesterol is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in
women with metabolic syndrome and contributes to CVD mortality in both women
and men. Additionally, those same women showed an increase in ellagic acid, an
antioxidant found in strawberries, during the four-week period, indicating
that the phytochemicals in strawberries are easily absorbed.

Lead researcher, Arpita Basu, PhD, RD, Nutritional Sciences at Oklahoma State
University, was encouraged by the results and said, "In just four weeks, we
saw a significant reduction in cholesterol among these women who had
moderately elevated cholesterol levels. This is exciting news as we look
closer at the potential of strawberries when it comes to disease prevention."

Overall, these types of studies continue to demonstrate a valid scientific
reason for eating strawberries on a regular basis - not just for taste - but
for health. California strawberries are a super fruit that can be easily
incorporated into a healthy lifestyle since they are grown year-round and
available in supermarkets across the country. And, as America's favorite
fruit, they are an easy daily choice for people of all ages.

About Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a significant health problem which includes dyslipidemia
(low HDL, high triglyceride), impaired glucose tolerance, hypertension and
central obesity. This increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and CVD.

A link to the provisional abstract for the study can be found can be found
here:
Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder and Metabolic Syndrome Study
More Information on California Strawberries:
-- Visit the California Strawberry Commission to get additional
nutrition
information.
-- Become a fan of California strawberries at
www.facebook.com/castrawberries for recipes and interesting facts and
information relevant to strawberries and nutrition.

-- Twitter: Follow us http://www.Twitter.com/CAstrawberries.

About the California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency that
represents an industry of more than 500 growers and 60 shippers and processors
of California strawberries. With a focus on food safety education, Commission
strategies also include production and nutrition research, trade relations,
public policy and marketing communications.

SOURCE California Strawberry Commission

Jodi Reinman, California Strawberry Commission, +1-831-724-1301,
jreinman@calstrawberry.org