EATING strawberries with cream can be healthier than having just the fruit, research suggests.
The classic Wimbledon combo helps the body to absorb the red fruit’s anti-oxidants for longer.
GettyEating strawberries with cream can be healthier than having just the fruit, research suggests[/caption]
The findings came as nutrition experts urged doctors to stop demonising oils and fats, which they say can offer many benefits.
Dr Bill Mullen said those who ate strawberries on their own in the University of Glasgow study saw a peak in their levels of disease-fighting antioxidants after an hour.
When eaten with cream, the peak came at 2½ hours.
He cautioned against having too much cream but said moderate amounts of fats could aid health.
He told an event at the Italian Embassy in London, organised by the olive oil brand Filippo Berio: “It’s really difficult to get things to change and to get the word out to GPs.”
Dr Mullen presented new findings that revealed as little as 20ml of raw olive oil a day could improve heart health.
It follows the study in Scotland’s biggest city — chosen due to its residents’ low olive oil intake and high rate of heart disease.
Prof Francesco Visioli, of Italy’s University of Padua, said: “Humans need fat to absorb vitamins for energy — we also need fat for taste.
“But it’s a very difficult message to get across to GPs. We also need to move away from obsession with body image.”