Berries contain many healthy ingredients and bioactive compounds. They can help improve nutrition, protect against cardiometabolic diseases and strengthen general health.
A new study by experts at Pennsylvania State University has examined possible links between berry consumption, diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. The results are published in the “Journal of Nutrition”.
Analyzed diets of over 33,000 people
A total of 33,082 people aged 20 or over took part in the new study. Using so-called multivariate linear regression models, the researchers examined possible connections between total and individual consumption of berries, diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Strawberries are particularly popular
Berry consumption was generally associated with significantly lower levels of cardiometabolic risk factors, the team reports. And it turned out that of all the berries, the participants consumed strawberries most often.
Lower cardiometabolic risk factors
According to the researchers, eating berries reduced body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting insulin and triglycerides.
In addition, berries have a beneficial effect on the so-called Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance, a method for assessing insulin resistance in the body, the experts explain.
Healthier diet and lower cardiometabolic risk
According to the research team, the results suggest that berry consumption in adults is associated with improved diet quality and, at the same time, lower levels of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Which berries are particularly healthy?
In an independent article, Johns Hopkins Medicine also reports on the beneficial effects of berry consumption on cardiometabolic health. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are mentioned as particularly effective.
Taken together, it can be said that the consumption of berries can make a significant contribution to a healthy diet and significantly improve the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases in adults. (as)
