Eating blueberries daily has been linked to reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 per cent.
That is according to new research led by the University of East Anglia, in collaboration with colleagues from Harvard and across the UK, with the results, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealing that eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 per cent.
The team set out to see whether eating blueberries had any effect on metabolic syndrome, which comprises at least three of the following risk factors; high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, low levels of ‘good cholesterol’ and high levels of triglycerides.
The team investigated the effects of eating blueberries daily in 138 overweight and obese people, aged between 50-75, with metabolic syndrome. The six-month study was the longest trial of its kind. They looked at the benefits of eating 150g portions (one cup) compared to 75g portions (half a cup). The participants consumed the blueberries in freeze-dried form and a placebo group was given a purple-coloured alternative made of artificial colours and flavourings.
The research team from UEA’s Department of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Norwich Medical School, have concluded that blueberries and other berries should be included in dietary strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among at risk groups.
Lead researcher, Prof Aedin Cassidy, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, commented: “Previous studies have indicated that people who regularly eat blueberries have a reduced risk of developing conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This may be because blueberries are high in naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins, which are the flavonoids responsible for the red and blue colour in fruits. We wanted to find out whether eating blueberries could help people who have already been identified as being at risk of developing these sorts of conditions.”
Co-lead, Dr Peter Curtis, also from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, added: “We found that eating one cup of blueberries per day resulted in sustained improvements in vascular function and arterial stiffness – making enough of a difference to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by between 12 and 15 per cent. The simple and attainable message is to consume one cup of blueberries daily to improve cardiovascular health.
“Unexpectedly, we found no benefit of a smaller 75g (half cup) daily intake of blueberries in this at-risk group. It is possible that higher daily intakes may be needed for heart health benefits in obese, at-risk populations, compared with the general population.”
