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Strawberry Puree

Also known as: Strawberry puree, Strawberry pulp, Fragaria × ananassa puree

Overview

Strawberry puree is a processed form of the garden strawberry (*Fragaria × ananassa*), retaining a significant portion of the fruit's natural bioactive compounds. It is recognized as a functional food ingredient due to its rich content of vitamin C, folate, anthocyanins, and various polyphenolic compounds. This makes it a valuable source of antioxidants and micronutrients. Primarily used as a dietary supplement or food additive, strawberry puree aims to enhance antioxidant intake, support cardiovascular health, and contribute essential micronutrients. Its key characteristics include a high antioxidant capacity, substantial vitamin C and folate content, and a rich concentration of anthocyanins, which are responsible for its vibrant color and biological activity. Research on strawberry puree's health benefits, particularly concerning cardiovascular risk factors and antioxidant effects, is moderately mature, supported by multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, indicating good quality evidence.

Benefits

Strawberry puree offers several evidence-based health benefits, primarily due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Acute intake (e.g., 500g serving) has been shown to significantly increase serum vitamin C and folate levels and enhance LDL antioxidant capacity in healthy individuals, without negatively impacting glycemic response. More broadly, supplementation with strawberries has been found to reduce multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrated significant reductions in oxidized LDL (mean difference (MD) = -5.8 ng/ml, p=0.012), malondialdehyde (MD = 0.309 μmol/L, p=0.002), C-reactive protein (MD = -0.472 mg/L, p=0.003), total cholesterol (MD = -6.49 mg/dL, p=0.019), and diastolic blood pressure (MD = -2.22 mmHg, p=0.033). These effects indicate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, with moderate yet clinically relevant reductions in markers of lipid oxidation and inflammation. Benefits are observed in healthy young women for acute effects and in broader adult populations with cardiovascular risk factors for longer-term improvements. Acute antioxidant effects can be seen within hours, while cardiovascular benefits typically manifest over weeks to months of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Strawberry puree exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich content of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, vitamin C, and other polyphenols. These compounds work by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, a key step in atherosclerosis development. The anti-inflammatory properties are mediated through the modulation of inflammatory cytokines, leading to a reduction in markers like C-reactive protein. Furthermore, components in strawberry puree may improve endothelial function and contribute to blood pressure regulation. These bioactive compounds are bioavailable, with studies showing acute increases in serum levels after consumption, allowing them to interact with various body systems, particularly the cardiovascular and immune systems, to promote health.

Side effects

Strawberry puree is generally considered safe for consumption, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common or uncommon side effects have not been documented. The primary concern for adverse reactions is in individuals with a known allergy to strawberries, which can manifest as typical allergic symptoms. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications due to the potential, albeit unconfirmed, antiplatelet effects of certain polyphenols found in strawberries. Contraindications are limited to individuals with a confirmed strawberry allergy. For special populations, such as pregnant women and children, data on specific effects of strawberry puree supplementation are limited, although the folate content may be beneficial. Overall, the safety profile is excellent for the general population.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for strawberry puree, based on acute studies, involved a 500g beverage serving, which delivered approximately 442.5 mg of total polyphenols and 255 mg of vitamin C. For sustained benefits, particularly related to cardiovascular health, clinical trials and meta-analyses have utilized varying doses, typically equivalent to 20 to 50 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder or its puree equivalent daily. The maximum safe dose has not been established, but high doses are generally well tolerated. Acute antioxidant effects are observed shortly after intake, while cardiovascular improvements require consistent daily supplementation over several weeks to months. Strawberry puree can be consumed in various forms, including puree, freeze-dried powder, or juice, with efficacy depending on the standardization of bioactive content. The bioavailability of polyphenols can be influenced by the food matrix and individual metabolism. No specific cofactors are required, but a balanced diet is always recommended for overall health.

FAQs

Is strawberry puree safe for daily consumption?

Yes, strawberry puree is generally safe for daily consumption for most individuals, provided they do not have a known allergy to strawberries.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Acute antioxidant effects can be observed within hours of consumption. However, more significant cardiovascular improvements typically require consistent daily supplementation over several weeks to months.

Does strawberry puree affect blood sugar?

Acute studies have shown no significant glycemic impact. While one meta-analysis noted a slight increase in fasting blood sugar, its clinical relevance is unclear, suggesting minimal impact for most.

Can it replace medications for heart health?

No, strawberry puree should not replace prescribed medications for heart health. It can complement existing therapies but is not a substitute for medical treatment.

Are all strawberry products equally effective?

The effectiveness of strawberry products depends on their polyphenol and vitamin content. Products with standardized bioactive content are generally preferred for consistent benefits.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10052565/ – This acute randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 500g strawberry puree beverage in healthy young women. It found significant increases in serum vitamin C and folate levels and enhanced LDL antioxidant capacity, without adversely affecting glycemic response. The study was well-controlled, but its limitation was its acute, single-dose design.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31637390/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (20 groups) assessed the impact of strawberry supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. It concluded that strawberry supplementation significantly reduced oxidized LDL, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure, indicating beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The study included adequate sample sizes and controls, though heterogeneity in dosage and duration across studies was noted.
https://nottinghambrc.nihr.ac.uk/evidence/publications/170-publications-articles/2296-effects-of-strawberry-supplementation-on-cardiovascular-risk-factors-a-comprehensive-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-randomized-controlled-trials-food-funct-201910116987-98 – This source provides further details on the systematic review and meta-analysis, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the review regarding strawberry supplementation and its effects on cardiovascular risk factors. It highlights the significant reductions observed in key markers like oxidized LDL, CRP, and blood pressure, reinforcing the potential of strawberries in cardiovascular health management.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/fo/d5fo01888a – This evidence-based review discusses the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects of strawberries, drawing from both animal and human studies. It supports the role of strawberries in disease prevention but also calls for more long-term clinical trials to definitively confirm their efficacy and optimal usage.