A study conducted at the University of Florida involved 60 women who had gone through menopause. Over an eight-week period, two groups of participants were given strawberries and a placebo.

All participants had mild to moderately elevated blood pressure, which was measured before and after the study.

Hypertension is common after menopause, experts explain, likely due to changes in hormone function and weight gain.

The women in the study had blood pressures higher than 130/85, but lower than 160. After eight weeks, at the end of the study, most of the women’s blood pressure was lower.

Experts point out that strawberries can help regulate blood pressure because they are rich in antioxidants – a substance that releases endothelium, the lining of the inside of blood vessels.

The release of endothelium, in turn, dilates the arteries, lowering blood pressure.

So, if you have a problem with hypertension, lean on strawberries!