Cranberries can help prevent cardiovascular disease, improve artery health, blood pressure and heart rate, according to new research. The reason? This superfood is a very rich source of antioxidants.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and, according to a new study, eating cranberries every day could be the key to a healthy heart.
The research team revealed that men who consumed the equivalent of 100g of blueberries per day reported clear benefits in heart function as early as one month. (Read also: Cranberries: effective (also) against colorectal cancer)
A systematic review
Blueberries are considered a superfoods able to keep the heart healthy, prevent inflammation,hypertension and protect cells from the damage of aging.
Researchers have now claimed that the effects of cranberries, rich in antioxidants, on the blood flow in the arteries are evident in just two hours.
Previous studies have already shown that these small fruits are able to help prevent urinary tract infections, and can reduce the risk of gum disease, stomach ulcers and even cancer.
Doctors recommend eating blueberries whole or smoothies instead of consuming them in the form of juice in order to benefit from all of its properties. (Read also: Cranberry: properties, uses and contraindications of the American cranberry)
In the latest study, the researchers tracked 45 men between the ages of 18 and 45 over a month to see how blueberries affect blood pressure, heart rate, and arteries.
Participants were given whole cranberry powder, equivalent to 100g of fresh cranberries per day, while a control group was given a placebo.
Men who consumed blueberries every day saw their arteries widen 1,1% after one month, a key sign of improved blood flow.
When the arteries narrow, however, it can decrease blood flow to the heart and trigger a series of serious health problems, such asinfarct.
However, there were no improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar levels.
The researchers measured 'flow-mediated dilation' (FMD), which refers to widening of the arteries due to increased blood flow.
They found that those who ate blueberries saw their arteries widen by 1,5% within two hours of eating.
The immediate boost is believed to happen when the body breaks down the fruit, and the blood becomes rich in antioxidants.
After one month, overall FMD levels increased 1,1% from the original artery width.
Analysis of blood and urine samples also showed that 13 chemicals in cranberries were associated with increased levels of foot and mouth disease.
The authors said they can hypothesize, albeit with caution, that these antioxidants, known as polyphenols, present in cranberries caused the improvement in arterial health. But they also pointed out that more research is needed to prove such links.
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Photos: Food & Function
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