WATSONVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 2, 2015) - We're used to tossing strawberries into our shopping carts, but new research shows that America's favorite fruit may also keep us at our healthiest. As November kicks off both American Diabetes Month® and National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, new research indicates that eating strawberries regularly can be an effective way to help prevent and manage diseases that affect millions of Americans and their families.
With approximately 5.3 million Americans currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease, a severe type of dementia, USDA researchers designed one of the first clinical studies to determine if strawberry intake could reverse age-related motor and cognitive decline among healthy older adults. Even in the absence of neurological dysfunction, the researchers demonstrated that supplementing older adults' diets with about two cups per day of strawberries can improve cognition. The research, conducted at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, was presented at the recent Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in Chicago. Overall, the results suggest that dietary intervention with strawberry fruit may be an effective means of combating age-related cognitive decline.
But the benefits don't stop there. For people of all ages, without a healthy diet and regular exercise, health conditions such as diabetes represent a major threat. With 29 million Americans currently suffering from diabetes, and nearly 86 million with prediabetes, this condition remains a significant detriment to public health. Research shows that strawberries can play a role in management and prevention when it comes to diabetes as well. Harvard University researchers unveiled this year at the American Diabetes Association's 75th Scientific Session the results of a Women's Health Study showing that compared to women who rarely or never ate strawberries, those who ate strawberries at least once a month had a lower risk for developing diabetes.
In recognition of both awareness initiatives, the California Strawberry Commission is introducing delicious recipes and tips to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Click here to see a video of registered dietitian Regan Jones as she prepares healthy California Strawberry Turkey Pinwheels.
"Getting a healthy dose of strawberries can help aid the prevention and management of these and other chronic diseases, and can kickstart a healthier diet and lifestyle for all," says dietitian Toby Amidor, who works closely with the California Strawberry Commission. "It's easy to incorporate strawberries into your daily diet even in the winter months -- try blending frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt and honey with a splash of cranberry juice for a simple breakfast smoothie that won't disappoint."
For more information and healthy recipes that celebrate strawberries, such as the below recipe perfect for a diabetes-friendly eating plan, visit www.californiastrawberries.com.
About California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is a state government agency located in Northern California charged with conducting research to support California's strawberry industry. With an emphasis on sustainable farming practices, the commission works with strategic partners focusing on production and nutrition research, food safety training and education, marketing and communications, trade relations and public policy.
For more information related to California Strawberries, please visit www.californiastrawberries.com.
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Jodi Reinman
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