Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital: "Strawberries Can Raise Blood Sugar If Overconsumed...Moderation Is Key"

Recommended Serving Size: 10 Strawberries per Serving,
Limited to Two Servings per Day

Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital advised on January 23 that although strawberries, a representative winter fruit, are beneficial for health, excessive consumption can raise blood sugar levels and therefore should be consumed with caution.

Seungcheol Yeom, Director of Gwangju Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital. Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital

According to Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, strawberries are rich in antioxidants. The anthocyanins and polyphenols that give strawberries their red color help suppress free radicals in the body, support vascular health, and contribute to reducing inflammatory responses. In addition, strawberries are high in dietary fiber, which promotes bowel movements and has a positive effect on digestive function and bowel activity.

However, excessive consumption of strawberry-based desserts can cause a rapid increase in sugar intake, making it important to maintain moderation. Consuming a large amount of high-sugar foods in a short period can lead to a surge in insulin secretion from the pancreas, resulting in a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, after consuming foods high in sugar, blood sugar levels may quickly drop, leading to hypoglycemic symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, hunger, and irritability. If such eating habits are repeated, they can not only lead to diabetes but also cause musculoskeletal disorders. In fact, a study by the Spine and Joint Research Institute at Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, published in the SCI(E)-level international journal 'PLoS One,' found that the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among diabetes patients was 1.26 times higher than in the control group.

It is also advisable to adjust the amount of strawberries consumed based on individual constitution and health status. According to guidelines from the Korean Dietetic Association, the recommended serving size for strawberries is 10 per serving, limited to two servings per day.

Seungcheol Yeom, Director of Gwangju Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, stated, "Strawberries are a fruit that can help boost immunity, replenish body fluids, and support internal balance, making them beneficial for managing your condition during winter. However, it is most important to maintain an appropriate intake depending on your constitution and health status."