The locally grown Orléans strawberry has health benefits - It has been scientifically proven that the locally grown Orléans strawberry regulates sugar levels in the blood and reduces inflammation

QUÉBEC, June 28, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Resulting from multidisciplinary work done by numerous researchers and a partnership with several businesses and organizations, the health benefits of the locally grown Orléans strawberry were scientifically proven by a team led by Dr. Yves Desjardins of the Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) and professor at the Centre de recherche en horticulture of Université Laval.

Studies conducted in Dr. André Marette's laboratory at the INAF and at the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ) showed that the locally grown Orléans strawberry reduces inflammation and the markers associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Tests done on blood plasma from animals whose diet consisted of Orléans strawberry and cranberry extracts also showed the bioavailability of known bioactive molecules. Numerous tests done in vitro and in vivo in an animal model of the metabolic syndrome also showed that the locally grown Orléans strawberry extracts improved the use of glucose which promotes better regulation of blood glucose in the body.

A clinical trial with approximately 60 participants will begin in the fall of 2012 under the supervision of Dr. Jacques and Dr. Weisnagel in order to confirm on a larger scale within humans these health benefits studied in animals. The properties of the locally grown Orléans strawberry and of the cranberry could be put to good use in the Food and Nutraceutical industries.

It is specialists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Université Laval and the Les Fraises de l'Île d'Orléans inc. group who created, characterized and put out to market the locally grown Orléans strawberry cultivar. It is exclusively cultivated on Île d'Orléans in the Québec Region.

This project would not have been possible without the participation of Nutra Canada, Atrium Innovations inc., Fruit d'Or, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the CRIBIQ and the team of researchers at Université Laval.

About us:

Established more than 30 years ago, Les Fraises de l'Île d'Orléans inc. is a leader in the industry that differentiates themselves by their innovative projects that target nutrition and protecting the environment.

Established four years ago, Nutra Canada is the first Canadian manufacturer of high-quality standardized extracts from fruits and vegetables. The company differentiates themselves through their numerous environmentally friendly innovations and technologies.

Fruit d'Or is the world leader of certified organic cranberry based products and one of the most important processors in Canada.

Sébastien Léonhart, Scientific Manager, Nutra Canada : 418-571-9118 - [email protected]

Louis Gauthier, Scientific Manager, Les Fraises de l'Île d'Orléans inc.: 418-520-5613 -[email protected]

Dr. Yves Desjardins, Professor, Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods & Centre de recherche en horticulture, Université Laval : 418-656-2131, ext. 2359 -[email protected]