Low consumption of fruits and vegetables is one of the main modifiable risk factors associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases around the world.
100 grams of blueberries a day improves cardiovascular function in healthy men, is the main conclusion of a recent investigation carried out by experts from King's College London (United Kingdom), who followed up 45 healthy adult men (between 18 and 45 years of age) for one month. Participants were administered whole blueberry powder, equivalent to 100 grams of fresh blueberries per day, and was compared to a control group that received a placebo.
The clinical trial explored the cardiovascular effects of freeze-dried whole cranberry powder, finding that daily consumption can lead to long-term benefits for heart health. The study, published in the journal Food & Function, indicates that the natural compounds of blueberries, known as polyphenols, They can improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Those men who consumed the berries every day saw their arteries widen 1.1% after one month, a key sign of improved blood flow. If the arteries narrow, it can decrease blood flow to the heart and trigger a host of health problems and even a heart attack. In the control group there were no changes.
"Our findings provide strong evidence that blueberries can significantly affect vascular health even in people with low cardiovascular risk. "This study further indicates that specific metabolites present in the blood after consumption of blueberries are related to the beneficial effects," explains Christian Hess, from the University of Surrey, who also participated in the study.
The boost in widening of the arteries is thought to occur when the body breaks down fruit and the blood becomes rich in antioxidants.
Analysis of blood and urine samples showed that 13 chemicals contained in blueberries were associated with increased levels of foot and mouth disease.
"The increases in polyphenols and metabolites in the bloodstream and the related improvements in flow-mediated dilation after consumption of blueberries emphasizes the important role that blueberries can play in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The fact that these improvements in cardiovascular health will be observed with an amount of blueberries that can be reasonably consumed daily makes blueberries an important fruit in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases for the general public ," explains Ana Rodríguez-Mateos, senior lecturer in nutrition in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College and co-author of the work.
Be that as it may, the researchers emphasize that this is not proof of a causal connection, but the findings direct researchers to more focused future studies that may focus on possible direct mechanisms.
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