Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies suggest fruit and vegetable... Show moreCardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies suggest fruit and vegetable consumption, especially berries, such as strawberry, is associated with lower risk of developing CVD. However, clinical trials demonstrating the specific risk factors affected by strawberry intake are not conclusive at present. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess strawberry intake on lipid and lipoprotein profile, endothelial function and blood pressure in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Thirty-four subjects (n=34) contributed to this analysis. This study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over, 12 week intervention design. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 2 study sequences in a 1:1 ratio. Sequence 1 was strawberry beverage, followed by 4 week wash out and crossover to placebo beverage. Sequence 2 was placebo beverage, followed by 4 week wash out and crossover to strawberry beverage. Subjects incorporated the strawberry or placebo beverage into their diet regularly (twice per day). Beverages were made from freeze-dried strawberries or a sensory and energy matched placebo powder. Strawberry containing beverages contained the equivalent of ~1.75 servings of fresh strawberries/beverage. Blood collection, anthropometrics, blood pressure and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery were measured at baseline (week 0) and week 4, week 8 and week 12. Study findings showed that strawberry supplementation had overall treatment effects on increasing %FMD and decreasing systolic blood pressure compared to placebo (p=0.0096 and p=0.048, respectively). The 4 weeks strawberry supplementation did not significantly change anthropometric measures, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and hs-CRP compared to placebo (p>0.05, all). Thus, strawberries may improve endothelial function and blood pressure, independent of other metabolic alterations, and may be considered an important fruit to include in a heart healthy diet in overweight or obese subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia. M.S. in Food Safety and Technology, May 2018 Show less
