New Freshuelva and University of Huelva study looks at impact of strawberry consumption on menstrual pain
Huelvan berry association Freshuelva is financing a health study on the benefits of strawberry consumption on the menstrual health of young women.
The study, which is being led by Dr Elia Fernández, midwife and professor of the Department of Nursing at the University of Huelva, involves more than 50 young women who suffer from menstrual pain (primary dysmenorrhea) and condition that affects more than 60 per cent of young Spanish women and impacts many spheres of life. It will look at how consuming 250g of fresh strawberries a day affects their condition.
According to Dr Fernández, the project arose after six years of research on menstrual pain in young women, lifestyle factors, the impact of this pain and how women manage it.
A review of the scientific literature shows that daily fruit consumption is associated with less menstrual pain. Due to their properties, strawberries have already been shown to be effective in other ailments that manifest with chronic pain, such as improving pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
This particular study, launched in 2023, looks at fresh strawberry consumption, whereas most previous studies were carried out with freeze-dried strawberries. The preliminary results of the trial will be published in early 2025.
