For the purposes of their study, published in Nutrients, the researchers took in 17 obese adult volunteers then divided them into two groups. One group was given 50 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder daily, while the other was given a placebo everyday. The experiment took place over the course of 12 weeks, with a two-week washout phase to draw out the total experiment duration to 26 weeks. Blood samples, health assessment questionnaires, and pain and quality of life indicator assessments were administered throughout various points of the experiment to gauge the possible effects of the strawberry powder.
By the end of the experiment, the volunteers who were given strawberry powder reported feeling significantly decreased levels of pain when compared with the control group. The researchers noted that this is most likely due to the the anti-inflammatory effects of strawberries. “Dietary strawberries may have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in obese adults with established knee [osteoarthritis],” wrote the researchers.
This research presents a good solution for sufferers of osteoarthritis, as this condition has no known cure. All that can be done to treat osteoarthritis is to manage it through anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle modifications, and weight management.
The benefits of strawberries
According to Arthritis.org, strawberries are among the best foods to add to the diets of arthritic patients. Strawberries have an impressive vitamin C content that is much higher than oranges, and vitamin C can decrease the risk of gout by lowering uric acid levels. Moreover, strawberries are rich with phythochemicals like anthocyanins which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. By reducing inflammation and muscle degeneration while simultaneously increasing joint mobility, strawberries can alleviate the pains of arthritis. It's no small wonder then why strawberries had such a positive effect on the volunteers.
In addition to soothing arthritic aches, strawberries can yield many other benefits when eaten frequently. Since strawberries are abundant in vitamin C, they can strengthen the immune system and make you less likely to catch a cold or develop heart disease. Strawberries contain considerable amounts of magnesium and potassium as well, so they can lower blood pressure and lessen your chances of hypertension. (Related: Strawberries again vindicated in the fight against heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline)
Strawberries are an excellent addition to your diet. You don't need to wait to for your knees to hurt before you enjoy the health benefits of these delicious fruits when you can start right now.
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