This study proposes a novel lattice metamaterial with equal strength struts based on the concept of equal strength of beams, which has been designated the strut-enhanced body-centered cubic lattice structure (EBCC). The structure is capable of effectively reducing the stress concentration of the lattice structure at the nodes and increasing the structural energy absorption. The effective elastic properties of EBCC unit cells are investigated in detail under periodic boundary conditions (PBC), and the results show that the deformation response of the unit cell under compressive loading is dominated by bending. A novel sandwich structure, designated S-EBCC, was developed utilizing EBCC as the core material. The effects of geometrical parameters and relative density on the deformation mechanism and mechanical properties of the sandwich structure were analyzed through experiments, numerical simulations and theoretical predictions. The results show that under compressive loading, the stress concentration at the nodes of the EBCC structure is effectively improved and the peak stress is reduced while the energy absorption is increased compared with the traditional S-BCC structure. Under three-point bending load, the larger the strut angle of the S-EBCC structure, the higher the load capacity. Comparison of experimental and theoretical results shows that the failure modes of the S-EBCC structure under both compressive and three-point bending loads are plastic yield.