Study finds strawberries can help menopause symptoms

Oct 17, 2022

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A new study published in the Food and Function Journal has found that strawberries could increase insulin-growth factor-1 (a hormone involved in bone formation) as well as boost osteocalcin (a marker of bone health). Both insulin-growth factor-1 and osteocalcin are important during the perimenopause when bone loss can speed up due to declining oestrogen levels. 

 

The finding adds to existing research, including a study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition of 6040 menopausal women, which found the consumption of fruit, and strawberries in particular, significantly lessened vasomotor menopausal symptoms by reducing night sweats and hot flushes. 

STUDY FINDS STRAWBERRIES CAN HELP MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS 

  • October 18th marks World Menopause Day, an annual day designed to raise awareness and educate the public on the unpleasant health issues associated with this phase in life 

  • Scientific research finds that strawberries may ease symptoms for menopausal women 

The menopause is increasingly a topic of focus as the public becomes further educated and open about the often life changing side-effects it can have on a woman’s life. 

 

Last week (w/c 10.10.22) the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause recommended all women should have a health check to screen for menopause symptoms at age 45. It comes as treatments become more readily available and some workplaces commit to offering greater support for employees.  

 

Scientific research has found there are some surprisingly simple ways, including the regular consumption of strawberries, for women to reduce the symptoms associated with the menopause. 

 

Packed full of vitamin C and high in phytoestrogens, the small yet mighty fruit has been shown to reduce unpleasant hot flushes and control blood pressure when consumed regularly.  

 

A new study published in the Food and Function Journal has found that strawberries could increase insulin-growth factor-1 (a hormone involved in bone formation) as well as boost osteocalcin (a marker of bone health). Both insulin-growth factor-1 and osteocalcin are important during the perimenopause when bone loss can speed up due to declining oestrogen levels. 

 

The finding adds to existing research, including a study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition of 6040 menopausal women, which found the consumption of fruit, and strawberries in particular, significantly lessened vasomotor menopausal symptoms by reducing night sweats and hot flushes. 

 

Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health Nutritionist, and adviser to Love Fresh Berries commented: “Strawberries are often regarded as a key food for menopausal women. They provide key nutrients such as vitamin C, B-vitamins, and minerals such as potassium and manganese that are important for general health and wellbeing. However, this new research adds to previous studies on strawberries and the menopause by showing the soft fruits’ importance to bone health during the perimenopause. Ongoing research is needed to build on these intriguing findings”. 

 

Nick Marston, Chairman of Love Fresh Berries said: “We already know that strawberries taste great and have significant health benefits, but this new research that is specific to the menopause will be welcome news for the many women dealing with the symptoms of the condition.” 

 

Women looking to add more strawberries into their diets can find inspiration in the 90+ recipes on the Love Fresh Berries website https://www.lovefreshberries.co.uk/recipes 

 

 

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

 

About Love Fresh Berries   

 

Love Fresh Berries is the year-round campaign from British Berry Growers which showcases the health benefits, versatility and all-round availability of berries in the UK with the objective of growing demand for fresh berries by introducing new consumers and increasing the frequency of purchase.   

 

References  

 

  1. Feresin RG et al. (2021) Effects of strawberries on bone biomarkers in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women: a secondary analysis. Food and Function 24: 12526-12534. Available at: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/FO/D1FO01555A 

  1. Gerrie-Cor M Herber-Gast and Gita D Mishra. (2013) Fruit, Mediterranean-style, and high-fat and -sugar diets are associated with the risk of night sweats and hot flushes in midlife: results from a prospective cohort study. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/97/5/1092/4577089