Scientists in Finland discovered eating just 5.25oz of a combination of berries daily lowered blood pressure, raised HDL (good cholesterol) and reduced platelet function. Participants reduced all three of these heart attack risk factors in only 8 weeks of berry eating.
The study looked at berries common to Finland – bilberries, lingonberries, chokeberries, black currants, strawberries and raspberries. However, the researchers suspect that the wide range of polyphenols, natural plant substances in berries, are responsible for the effects. If you cannot get your hands on bilberries and lingonberries, try blueberries and cranberries as a substitute. Eat a wide range of berries with some frequency. Use these strategies:
- Sprinkle dried cranberries on your breakfast cereal.
- Spread raspberry/blackberry puree on toast and sandwiches.
- Enjoy a bowl of blueberries with a dollop of low-fat vanilla yogurt.
- Layer fresh berries on your next peanut butter sandwich.
If you know someone with high blood pressure or cholesterol, please forward them this message. They can receive these updates free by signing up at http://www.betterlivingnewsbites.blogspot.com/.
********************************************************************
www.americanheart.org
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/bilberry-000225.htm
Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol Erlund et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:323-31
No comments:
Post a Comment