According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, consuming a cup of blueberries a day can have a significant effect on an individual’s cardiovascular health. Researchers found that eating the recommended amount of blueberries can reduce the probability of a cardiovascular event by 13%.
Are you a fan of blueberries? Researchers are finding that blueberries can play an important role in our cardiovascular health.
“Blueberries are one of the best superfoods, because they contain so many vitamins and minerals, with very few calories,” says Dr. Dory Jarzabkowski, cardiologist with Advocate Heart Institute at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill. “They provide natural salicylic acid, the pain and inflammation fighter in aspirin, along with fiber for digestive health. They also contain folate, iron and niacin, other B vitamins, potassium, manganese, vitamin C and E.”
The six-month study found that blueberries helped increase blood flow and prevent the thickening of the artery walls. Blueberries can have even more health benefits than just a positive effect on your heart.
According to Dr. Jarzabkowski, blueberries also can help with:
- Diabetes
- Senility
- Cancer
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
Blueberries can be incorporated into your diet in numerous ways. Participants in the study were given the suggestions of adding blueberries to smoothies, cereal, yogurt, toast and salads. Blueberries can be fresh, frozen or freeze dried into a powder and still have some of the same superfood benefits.
