Antioxidants are most commonly known for their anti-cancer properties, but evidence has been growing for their cholesterol-lowering benefits as well.

Recently, scientists at the University of Toronto conducted a study in which a half of 28 men and women with high cholesterol who were on a diet to lower it were asked to eat three cups of strawberries per day.

What the researchers noticed was that those who consumed strawberries showed evidence of reduced oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol. LDL, while bad in itself, becomes even more damaging when it becomes oxidized.

It is responsible for arteriosclerosis which can lead to a heart attack, the main cause of death in both men and women in the U.S. The scientists concluded that the antioxidant power of strawberries helps improve and maintain the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering diets.

"As more Americans embrace healthy eating trends to promote their own health and guard against illness, these types of findings are important," says Dr. David J.A. Jenkins, the author of the study.

"Diet plays a crucial role in lowering cholesterol and including antioxidant-rich strawberries in a healthy diet is a behavior change that’s simple and delicious to make," he adds.

In addition to strawberries, nutritional supplements are also a popular way of ensuring proper antioxidant intake.