Scientists at Warwick University in England studied the health benefits of strawberries and discovered the reason why they help prevent heart disease and diabetes.

Paul Thornalley, a professor of biology, and his team found that an extract from strawberries activates a protein in the body called Nrf2, which helps lower blood glucose levels and unhealthy cholesterol after a meal.

“We’ve discovered the science behind how strawberries work to increase our built-in defenses to keep cells, organs, and blood vessels healthy, which can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and diabetes,” Thornalley said.

He’s now researching which variety of strawberries works best and how many of them should be eaten for optimal health.

In the meantime, don’t hesitate to pick up a basket of fresh strawberries for your next picnic.