High blood pressure, also known by the medical term hypertension, refers to the elevated pressure against artery walls. This in turn decreases blood flow and oxygen to the heart, which can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Research suggests that boosting your intake of blueberries might lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.
Polyphenols
Blueberries contain polyphenols, which have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fruits and vegetables. Antioxidant capacity measures the ability to destroy free radicals, which are chemicals that can damage cells and lead to disease and illness, according to Dr. Ronald L. Prior from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. One type of polyphenol called anthocyanins might have blood pressure benefits.
Hypertension
Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Harvard University studied the relationship between blueberry consumption and the risk of hypertension. In the report, which was published in the February 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," scientists discovered that participants consuming at least one serving of blueberries per week reduced their risk of developing hypertension compared to those not eating blueberries. Anthocyanins are responsible for blueberries blood pressure benefits, according to researchers.
Blood Pressure
Scientists from Oklahoma State University investigated the impact of blueberry consumption on patients with metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for heart disease. For eight weeks, participants consumed a blueberry beverage containing 50 grams of freeze-dried blueberries or a placebo containing water. Blood pressure was measured before and after the treatment. Researchers reported in the September 2010 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" that participants consuming the blueberry beverage had greater decreases in blood pressure compared to the placebo group.
Vitamin C
Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin C, which might have beneficial effects on blood pressure, according to an animal study conducted by researchers from the University of Lagos in Nigeria. They discovered that rats following a high-sodium diet experienced increases in blood pressure, which was subsequently lowered by vitamin C supplementation, according to findings reported in the December 2002 issue of the "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology."
References
- US Highbush Blueberry Council: Antioxidant Capacity and Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - Blueberries, the Leader of the Pack
- Science Daily: Bioactive Compounds in Berries Can Reduce High Blood Pressure
- PubMed.gov: Blueberries Decrease Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome; A.Basu et al.; September 2010
- PubMed.gov: Vitamin C Lowers Blood Pressure and Alters Responsiveness in Salt-Induced Hypertension; R.R. Ettarh et al.; December 2002
