Cholesterol plays an essential role in overall health, since it's required for proper cell membrane function and hormone production. However, excess low density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that blueberries are a rich source of healthy compounds that might be effective for decreasing LDL cholesterol in the body.
Polyphenols
Blueberries high antioxidant content might help lower LDL cholesterol, according to scientists from the University of California Davis. Lead author Dr. Marina Heinonen and colleagues discovered that blueberries contain polyphenols, compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties that are effective for reducing LDL cholesterol. Scientists presented their findings at the October 1998 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Pterostilbene
Pterostilbene, an antioxidant compound found in blueberries, might have LDL cholesterol lowering effects, according to an animal study conducted by lead author Agnes Rimando and researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Mississippi. They discovered that rats exposed to pterostilbene increased the activation of cells PPAR-alpha receptor, which helps lower LDL cholesterol in the body. In addition, researchers stated that pterostilbene ability to lower LDL cholesterol is similar to the commercial drug ciprofibrate, according to research presented at the 228th national meeting of the America Chemical Society in August 2004.
Anthocyanins
Another antioxidant compound found in blueberries called anthocyanins might be effective for improving LDL cholesterol levels. Lead investigator Y. Qin and colleagues from Sun Yat-Sen University in China randomly assigned patients with high levels of lipids in the blood 160 mg of anthocyanins or a placebo twice daily. At the end of the study, which was published in the September 2009 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," scientists observed that the anthocyanin group experienced decreases in LDL cholesterol compared to those receiving a placebo.
Decreases LDL Cholesterol
Scientists from Oklahoma State University investigated the impact of blueberries on cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women suffering from metabolic syndrome. Participants received a blueberry beverage consisting of 50 g of freeze dried blueberries or a control beverage for eight weeks. At the end of the treatment, which was published in the September 2010 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," lead author A. Basu and colleagues found that the blueberry beverage group experienced decreases in oxidized LDL cholesterol compared to the control group. Oxidized LDL cholesterol can damage arteries and increase the risk for heart disease.
References
- Science Daily: Eating Berries Can Help Lower LDL Cholesterol
- Science Daily: Blueberry Compound Shows Promise Of Lowering Cholesterol As Effectively As Drug
- PubMed: Anthocyanin supplementation improves serum LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations associated with the inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in dyslipidemic subjects
- PubMed: Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndrome
