Like blueberries? Great! Researchers in Florida found that just a cup of blueberries per day could reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness, which are associated with risk of cardiovascular events.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in both men and women in United States and developed countries. Once the women reach menopause the rates of cardiovascular disease rates in women are greater than men.
The study was done over a period of 8 weeks, where 48 postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1 hypertension were given 22g of freeze-dried blueberry powder (equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries) or 22g of a placebo powder. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness and a variety of blood biomarkers were measured over this period.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group of women receiving the blueberry powder had reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduction in arterial stiffness and increased of nitric oxide (vasodilator) which might explain the reduction in blood pressure.
Apparently blueberries have lots of health benefits such as boosting your brain by improving your cognitive function, blocking cancer cell growth, prevention of urinary-tract infection, improving eye health.
Blueberries contain large amount of antioxidant, especially anthocyanadins and polyphenols which give the blue, purple and red color that many fruits and vegetables have. Not only blueberries are loaded of antioxidants they are also a very good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese.
Make sure to add blueberries to your diet!
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