Scientists from Colorado State University found that eating blueberries can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women with high blood pressure.
They found eating 22 grams of freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder (equivalent to about 1 cup of fresh blueberries) mixed with water taken daily for 12 weeks improved the function of the inner lining of blood vessels.
The research was presented at the International Conference on Polyphenols and Health and was conducted by Sarah Ardanuy Johnson et al.
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body and can damage cells and tissues, which promotes endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease development.
Previous research has demonstrated that polyphenols and polyphenol-rich foods like blueberries can reduce oxidative stress.
In the study, the team tested 43 estrogen-deficient older women aged 45-65 years with elevated blood pressure or stage 1-hypertension.
They used freeze-dried blueberries to retain the polyphenols as much as possible.
The team found increases in blood metabolites that are products of the metabolism of anthocyanins (polyphenols found in blueberries that give them their blue color) and metabolism of polyphenols by the gut microbiome.
They found an improvement in endothelial function which is important for human health, as endothelial dysfunction is linked to heart disease development.
They also found evidence that blueberries improved endothelial function through reductions in oxidative stress in the body.
The key takeaway is that there are benefits to consuming blueberries on a regular basis to help improve cardiovascular health.
Foods rich in phytochemicals include many fruits and vegetables, cocoa, chocolate, tea, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and spices. But dark fruits top the list.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about the best heart disease treatment, and how to reduce blood pressure naturally with lifestyle changes.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about how to lower blood pressure by 20 mmHg naturally, and results showing these common foods may help you lower high blood pressure.
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