Are Strawberries The Key To Preventing Type 2 Diabetes?

A new study shows that eating strawberries can have some pretty sweet benefits, especially for those with type 2 diabetes or those at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Already touted as one of the top 10 superfoods for a diabetes meal plan because of its vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and lower sugar content, the study published in the February issue of Molecular Nutrition & Food Nutrition found that anthocyanin-rich strawberries may improve insulin sensitivity, according to a press release.

Researchers studied 21 obese adults with insulin resistance. They were each fed a meal high in carbohydrates and fat, served with a beverage containing freeze-dried whole strawberry powder (to control the effects of fiber). Beverages ranged in concentration from 0 grams to 40 grams, and it was found that when subjects drank the most concentrated beverage, their bodies did not produce as much insulin compared to when they drank less concentrated beverages.

As people with insulin resistance tend to produce extra insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, the decreased insulin production in the test subjects suggests the strawberries had a positive influence. It is concluded that, "while the exact mechanisms are unclear, strawberry anthocyanins may alter insulin signaling at a cellular level."