A new study, published recently in the Journal of Geriatrics, shows that if you eat 200 grams of blueberries a day for a month can improve vascular function and systolic blood pressure decreases.
Researchers at King's College of London randomly divided 40 healthy volunteers into two groups for a month. The volunteers in the experimental group drank 200 grams of blueberries a day, while the volunteers in the control group drank anthocyanin-free drinks every day.
The researchers monitored chemicals in the participants'blood and urine, as well as the extent of vasodilation when blood pressure and blood flow are increased.
The results showed that after drinking blueberry beverage for two hours, the volunteers'blood vessel function was impaired, which lasted for a month. During the experiment, volunteers who drank blueberry beverages reduced systolic blood pressure by 5 mHg, similar to those who took antihypertensive drugs.
It was also found that beverages containing purified anthocyanins could also improve the function of vascular endothelial cells.
Endothelial cells are barriers between blood or lymph and surrounding body tissues. They play an important role in blood coagulation and blood pressure regulation. This effect is similar to that of blueberries containing the same anthocyanin level. Drinks containing similar levels of fibers, minerals and vitamins had no significant effect on vascular function.
Researchers point out that although it's best to eat whole blueberries for all the benefits, the study found that most of the effects can be explained by anthocyanins. If the effects of blueberry on blood vessel function can last a lifetime, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%.
