Preventing and managing heart disease is all about making healthy lifestyle choices. This includes losing excess weight, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, managing stress and eating a healthy diet. In some cases, medication and surgery may also be required. Along with eating a diet that is low in fat, cholesterol and salt, adding blueberries into the diet may be beneficial. However, before making any changes in diet, it is always best to consult with physician first.
Identification
Heart disease is a broad term used when there is a problem affecting the heart muscle, its valves or the veins and arteries that carry blood through the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronary artery disease, or CAD, is the most common type of heart disease. CAD is diagnosed when plaque builds up along the artery walls. As the plaque accumulates; the artery narrows and hardens, restricting blood flow to the affected area. If this disease is present in the arteries that supply the heart; a heart attack may occur. If it damages the arteries that supply the brain, a stroke can occur. After you are diagnosed with heart disease, the goal of treatment is to prevent death and disability.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are believed to promote good health because they destroy free radicals, which are substances that can damage cells in the body. A buildup of free radicals in the body can cause cholesterol levels to rise, which, in turn, contributes to plaque buildup along the artery walls, reports the Cleveland Clinic. In contrast, a diet rich in foods containing antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Because blueberries are high in antioxidants, they should be included in the daily diet.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are substances found in many plants, and the American Heart Association suggests that eating foods like blueberries that are rich in phytochemicals may help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis or a buildup of plaque along the blood-vessel walls. While much more research is needed, it appears that phytochemicals, like antioxidants, may help to lower cholesterol levels, which means a reduced risk of heart disease. Many fruits and vegetables have phytochemicals, so eating a well-balanced and colorful diet that includes blueberries will provide the best protection.
Flavonoids
Blueberries also contain substances called flavonoids, which appear to inhibit blood from clotting, reduce inflammation in the arteries and lower cholesterol levels, all of which can help to prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of dying from it, says the American Heart Association. However, caution should be used, as some types of flavonoids can be toxic in large amounts. So using blueberries or any food to prevent heart disease should be done under medical supervision.
Solution
To fully protect against heart disease, you may need to make various lifestyle changes, including eating a well-balanced diet from a wide variety of foods. MayoClinic.com recommends consuming all types of fruits and vegetables, including 3/4 cup of fresh blueberries everyday. This will help to reduce the risk of heart disease and provide the body with the fiber and other important nutrients it needs. When it comes to fruits and vegetables like blueberries, it is best to eat them fresh, as cooking can damage some of the chemicals that provide health benefits.
