Blueberries are associated with numerous health benefits. In particular, regular consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, promote healthy gut flora and protect cognitive functions.
In a recent review, the results of which were published in the English-language journal Frontiers in Psychology, researchers at Sichuan University (China) investigated the effects of blueberries on the risk of endothelial dysfunction, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Effects on endothelial function
The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available research on the effects of blueberries on endothelial function. A total of 16 studies were considered in the systematic review and 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis.
The results show that blueberry consumption is associated with a significant improvement in so-called flow-mediated dilation (a method for measuring endothelial function and vascular health) and an improvement in the reactive hyperemia index, the researchers report.
Significant reduction in blood pressure
In addition, according to the experts, blueberries lead to a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure and a subgroup analysis also showed a significant reduction in blood pressure in smokers.
Furthermore, there was an improvement in cholesterol levels, but this was not considered significant, the team explains.
Overall, the consumption of blueberries can significantly improve endothelial function and also diastolic blood pressure.
Other health benefits of blueberries
Another research paper, published just a few days ago in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, took a broader range of the potential health benefits of blueberries into account.
In addition to the positive effects on cardiovascular health, benefits for prediabetes and diabetes as well as for brain health and cognitive functions, intestinal health and recovery after exercise have also been demonstrated.
According to the researchers, eating blueberries reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It also has a positive effect on age-related cognitive decline.
In addition, blueberries have been shown to reduce muscle damage caused by exercise through their anti-inflammatory effects, the team reports.
Anthocyanins beneficial for the intestinal flora
The scientists explain that the anthocyanins contained in blueberries play an important role in the health benefits of blueberries and this is at least partly due to interactions with the intestinal flora.
Blueberries for health
Overall, the study results clearly support regular blueberry consumption, as not only cardiovascular health can benefit from the healthy berries, but numerous health benefits can also be expected. (as)