Previous scientific studies indicate that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods (cocoa, tea, and red wine) are beneficial to cardiovascular health. In addition to vitamin C, folate, potassium, and soluble fiber, various types of berries are also a rich source of polyphenols.
A recent study conducted in Helsinki, Finland aimed to investigate the effects of berry consumption on hemostatic function, serum lipids, and blood pressure. In this study, seventy-two male and female middle-aged volunteers with cardiovascular risk factors consumed moderate amounts of berry or placebo control products for 8 weeks. (100 g berries + 1 small glass of berry drink per day).
The results were impressive: berry consumption inhibited platelet function by 11% in the berry group and 1.4% control group. Plasma biomarkers of platelet activation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis did not change during the intervention. Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations (good cholesterol) increased significantly more in the berry group 5.2% than in the control group 0.6%. However total cholesterol and triacylglycerol remained unchanged.
Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly. This decrease mostly occurred in subjects with high baseline blood pressure (7.3 mm Hg in the highest tertile). Polyphenol and vitamin C concentrations in plasma increased. However, other nutritional biomarkers (ie, folate, tocopherols, sodium, and potassium) were unaffected.
The plasma concentrations of polyphenols, such as quercetin, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, and vanillic acid, were significantly greater in the berry group. The berry products were prepared from black currants, lingonberries (similar to small cranberries), bilberries (sometimes called European blueberries), and chokeberries, as well as from small amounts of strawberries, red raspberries, and sucrose.
The consumption of moderate amounts of berries resulted in favorable changes in platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A visit to the strawberry field nurtures the soul, the berries nurture the heart.
Source:
Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol
Iris Erlund, Raika Koli, Georg Alfthan, Jukka Marniemi
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 2, 323-331, February 2008
Comments