Berries for Heart Health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to the class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels (arteries and veins). These diseases include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide including the United States. There are many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Three that cannot be changed are older age, male gender, and a family history of CVD. Additionally, three other major risk factors include cigarette smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Other identified factors associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease include lack of exercise, diabetes, obesity, too much alcohol, increased homocysteine levels, certain infections and inflammation, estrogens, androgens, and certain psychosocial factors. The combination of multiple risk factors must also be considered.
Bilberry is one of the most popular herbs on the market today. During World War II when British air pilots ate bilberries, they reported an improved ability to adjust to glare and an increase in their visual acuity and nighttime vision. Bilberry extracts show promise in the areas of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the effects of berry consumption on platelet function, HDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Researchers enrolled 72 middle-aged subjects with cardiovascular risk factors to participate in a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial. The participants were randomly assigned to consume either berries or control products for eight weeks. Every other day the berry group consumed 100 grams of bilberries and 50 grams of lingonberries. On the other days, they consumed 100 grams of blackcurrants or strawberries. At the end of the study, researchers found that HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly by 5.2 percent in the berry group in comparison to the control group which only increased 0.6 percent. The berry group also had an 11 percent decrease in platelet function in comparison to the control group with only a 1.4 decrease. In addition, blood pressure (BP) in the berry group decreased significantly compared to the control group. In conclusion the researchers wrote, "The consumption of moderate amounts of berries resulted in favorable changes in platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and BP. The results indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease."1
1 Erlund I, Koli R, Alfthan G, et al. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. Feb2008;87(2):323-31.