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According to a new study, blue in blueberries could reduce the risk of heart disease by 20%.
The researchers found that consuming 7.5 ounces of blueberries a day for a month – a large den – improved blood vessel function and lowered blood pressure in healthy people.
And the study suggests that "super" berries could be as effective as the blood pressure pills prescribed by the doctor.
And all because of a magic chemical that gives the bay its blue color known as anthocyanin. The study was published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and, if ignored, can cause heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
Researchers at Kings College London have analyzed the effects of consuming blueberry juice every day for a month – and the results could save lives.
"While it is best to consume all blueberries for maximum benefit, our study shows that the majority of effects can be explained by anthocyanins," said Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos. , principal investigator.
"If the changes we've seen in blood vessel function after eating blueberries every day could last a lifetime, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease could be reduced by 20%."
The lecturer in nutrition sciences explained: "Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, especially in anthocyanins, but also contain other phenolic compounds in smaller amounts such as procyanidins, flavonols and phenolic acids, as well as that a source rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. . "
"Blueberries were initially studied because of their potential beneficial effects on the decline of cognitive function as a function of age, but it has recently been shown to improve cardiovascular function.
"Data from the Nurse Health Study II showed that high intake of blueberries, strawberries and anthocyanins (calculated using food frequency questionnaires) was inversely associated with the risk of heart attack. myocardium. "
For example, the study of 40 participants received a glass containing 7.8 ounces of blueberries daily to drink or a placebo.
The blood pressure, urine and blood of all volunteers were tested, as well as their flux – induced dilatation (FMD), which measures the extent of enlargement of the body. artery when blood flow increases.
The researchers compared the results of blueberry and placebo drinkers and discovered that purified anthocyanins – the phytochemical that gives fruits and vegetables a blue, red, pink or purple color – have a considerable impact on the arterial pressure.
They found that eating 7.8 ounces of blueberries significantly improved blood vessel function – and in less than two hours.
After a month of daily consumption of fruit juice, blood pressure decreased by 5 mmHg – a similar drop experienced by people taking blood pressure medication.
Drinks containing purified anthocyanins also resulted in improved endothelial function, which is essential for the regulation of blood pressure and blood clotting.
"Although blueberries contain many potentially" healthy "bioactive molecules, including vitamins, fibers and minerals, our current results demonstrate that anthocyanins are major bioactive compounds that can explain the increase in endothelial function after consumption. blueberries, "said Rodriguez-Mateos.
"Our data demonstrate for the first time that purified anthocyanins lead to dose-dependent improvements in endothelial function.
"In conclusion, our results demonstrate the key role of anthocyanin metabolites in mediating the biological activities of blueberries that can contribute to healthy cardiovascular aging.
"We provide additional scientific evidence that chronic bilberry consumption in healthy humans results in long-lasting cardiovascular benefits related to circulating anthocyanin metabolites and modulation of cellular gene programs toward a protective profile." anti-inflammatory and anti-MCV ".
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