![]() In this study, a clinically relevant improvement in vascular modulation, measured using pulse wave velocity, was associated with greater anthocyanin intake ( 6). One biomarker, vascular stiffness, was measured in a cross-sectional study of 1898 carefully phenotyped twins. The greatest risk reduction was observed in women aged ≤60 y ( 3). A higher anthocyanin intake was associated with a 10% lower risk of incident hypertension in a cohort of over 87,000 participants examined over a period of 14 y ( 3). Higher anthocyanin intake was associated with an ~8–10% reduction in hypertension risk in 5 cohort studies ( 3, 36, 37). However, in 2 prospective cohort studies no association was found between anthocyanin intake and stroke risk ( 34, 35). Higher intakes of blueberries, strawberries, and total anthocyanins were all associated with a 32% lower rate of myocardial infarction, and this association was independent of established risk factors ( 2). In 3 cohort studies, a higher anthocyanin intake was associated with an ~25% reduced risk of coronary artery disease, including fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction ( 33, 34). Similar findings were reported in a meta-analysis of total CVD (RR: 0.89 95% CI: 0.83–0.96) ( 32). The association between a higher anthocyanin intake and reduction in all-cause mortality risk in a meta-analysis of 6 studies was principally due to a decreased cardiovascular mortality risk ( 31). ![]() Population studies in cardiovascular health, berries, and anthocyanins Interest continues to grow in the potential human health benefits of blueberries. Blueberry research is the primary focus of this review however, anthocyanin literature is also discussed where relevant. Over half of the nearly 200 papers cited in this review were published in the last decade. ![]() Observational evidence is presented along with results from human clinical studies, and from animal and in vitro research. In this narrative, research on the role of blueberries in cardiometabolic health, neuroprotection, vision, and food processing is reviewed. The intake of even moderate amounts of blueberries (approximately one-third cup) and anthocyanins (<50 mg) daily is associated with disease risk reduction ( 2– 4, 6– 9). In these observational analyses, anthocyanins often provide benefits over and above other plant food phytochemicals, including other flavonoids ( 2– 6). Nonetheless, research regarding foods for health performed during the past 2 decades has revealed a multitude of ways in which blueberries are bioactive and beneficial to health.Īn increasing body of evidence suggests that blueberries and anthocyanins reduce biomarkers and risk of diseases that constitute major socioeconomic burdens, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and neurological decline. However, direct antioxidant action of polyphenolic compounds in situ appears unlikely due to their poor bioavailability ( 1). However, it is widely agreed that the regular consumption of tasty, ripe blueberries can be unconditionally recommended.īlueberries were first popularized as a “super fruit” due mainly to the high in vitro antioxidant capacity of their abundant polyphenolic compounds. More evidence, and particularly human clinical evidence, is needed to better understand the potential for anthocyanin-rich blueberries to benefit public health. These aspects have implications in degenerative diseases and conditions as well as the aging process. Blueberry phytochemicals may affect gastrointestinal microflora and contribute to host health. ![]() Among the more important healthful aspects of blueberries are their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and their beneficial effects on vascular and glucoregulatory function. These findings are supported by biomarker-based evidence from human clinical studies. Epidemiological studies associate regular, moderate intake of blueberries and/or anthocyanins with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, death, and type 2 diabetes, and with improved weight maintenance and neuroprotection. Of their various phytochemicals, anthocyanins probably make the greatest impact on blueberry health functionality. Blueberries contain a large number of phytochemicals, including abundant anthocyanin pigments. Awareness of the human health benefits of blueberries is underpinned by a growing body of positive scientific evidence from human observational and clinical research, plus mechanistic research using animal and in vitro models.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |