Blueberries may help you in the battle against heart disease
and stroke ...
New research indicates that blueberries could strengthen the
blood vessels against oxidative stress which may lead to heart
disease.
The results of a study published in the Journal of Nutritional
Biochemistry (Vol 17, pp 109-116), link the blueberry
to a lowering of cholesterol, and protection against cancer and
neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Dorothy Klimis-Zacas led a group of scientists from the University
of Maine, to investigate the effects of blueberries on functional
and structural molecules in the walls of the rats' aortas.
Over a three month period a control group was given a normal diet,
while a test group were given the normal diet plus eight per cent
powdered wild blueberry.
The scientists focused on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which form
an important component of connective tissues.
“In this study we document for the first time that
diets enriched with wild blueberries significantly alter the
composition and structure of rat aorta at the glycosaminoglycan
level,” wrote lead author Anastasia Kalea.
Klimis-Zacas and her research team also found an higher level
of a specific GAG called galactosaminoglycans (GalAGs).
“It seems that the increased GalAG content in the
blueberry-fed group (plus 67 per cent compared to control)
may well be a protective factor,”
By maintaining higher levels of GalAGs the blood vessel
walls are more resistant to oxidative stress that could lead
to cardiovascular disease.
“Our investigation of the potential of natural antioxidants
like those found in wild blueberries to combat the precursors
to cardiovascular disease is part of a broader research movement
to gain a better understanding of the role of diet in disease
prevention,” said Klimis-Zacas.
The study has been welcomed by the blueberry industry. Susan Davis,
nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America
said that the work expands on the importance of wild blueberries
in helping fend off diseases of aging, like cardiovascular disease.
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