The Blues and Matters of the Heart
What's the fuss about blueberries?
There is no arguing that blueberries are healthy. Their deep pigmentation in general is full of antioxidants like anthocyanins and a plethora of vitamins and minerals.
But do you know why blueberries are one of the healthiest of all berries? In fact, when it comes to matters of the heart, regularly consuming blueberries may be the most important parts of your diet.
Here’s a lot about what scientists have reported:
Blueberries are so good for you that the anthocyanins in berries is associated with a 12-32% reduction of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). And studies show that consuming them earlier in life has shown to be the most effective.
While it’s never too late to start, it’s especially important and most effective in younger and middle-aged women/men with the highest (32% ) reduction in risk. And the good news is that the more you consume the better your chance of keeping heart disease away. Surprisingly, for every 15mg increase in blueberry consumption, your risk decreases by 17%. That is about a 1 to 1 ratio which is impressive! (source: Dr. Gregor article)
For example, an analysis by scientists and Dr. Gregor (and author of How Not to Die) shows that the top 10% of berry consumers (ate the most berries) had a 47% reduction in CHD risk. That is real improvement.
The good news is that you don’t have to live near areas where wild blueberries are in season because they don’t have to be fresh whole berries. When powdered (pulverized) blueberries were brewed in hot water for 5 minutes (aka blueberry tea) patient’s antioxidant capacity increased significantly, although dropped just 6 months after they stopped consumption. Unfortunately, within a year they were back to where they started. So, a “one and done “ approach won’t be remarkably effective for long.
The top 3 takeaway:
- A 47% reduction for people who ate more berries (top 10% of berry consumption) saw greatest improvement.
- Eat 100 mg (about ½ cup of blueberries) per day and you can reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), blood pressure (hypertension), BMI (body fat mass), inflammation and blood sugars significantly.
- Keep it up because once you stop, the benefits also slow down and revert. Sort of like exercise which increasingly helps keep disease at bay.
Note: LDL – otherwise known as “bad cholesterol” which impairs the heart especially over time, is reduced significantly within just a 6-month span.
Try our Moody Blue and see for yourself!