Phenols In Strawberries Have Strong Anti-Inflammatory Effect

A U.S. clinical study has found that the phenols found in fruits like strawberries exert an anti-inflammatory effect in the body that could reduce the risk of a variety of medical conditions, including metabolic syndrome. Twenty-four obese subjects drank either a strawberry drink or a placebo while eating a high-carbohydrate, moderate-fat meal. A meal of this type tends to induce an inflammatory response, which has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk. Analysis of their blood revealed that plasma levels of two beneficial strawberry compounds rose significantly after drinking the strawberry drink with the meal. “Overall, these findings suggest beneficial effects that accrue from consumption of fruits that have a high phenolic content,” the researchers concluded.