Eating several servings of blueberries every day may help lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in middle-aged women, according to a recent small U.S. research. Women who consumed freeze-dried fresh blueberries on two occasions had significantly lowered blood pressure levels and increased the level of a hormone that relaxes blood vessels. These findings are encouraging as they raise the possibility that eating blueberries can be a positive part of your overall diet. In addition, eating freeze-dried berries does not require any special preparation, so there is no need to spend extra time or energy preparing them.
Unfortunately, although there has been much attention paid to prescription medications and weight loss, very few studies have looked at how diet can affect the health of an individual. While the role of diet and nutrition is clear for a number of conditions, it is not yet known exactly how diet can affect the heart and blood vessels.
One study conducted on a group of middle aged women who were taking prescription drugs, found that eating a blueberry diet reduced the number of plaque forming on the walls of the arteries by about fifty percent. This is important because plaque has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, so eating more blueberries each day may help to prevent a high blood pressure condition from developing.
Another study that followed this same group of middle aged women for a period of four months also reported that eating a blueberry diet significantly lowered their risk of stroke and heart attack. Blueberries are also known to help fight cancer cells, so eating at least three servings of freeze-dried berries per day may also be beneficial for your overall health.
In addition to lowering your blood pressure, studies have also shown that eating blueberries each day may also lower cholesterol, strengthen teeth, and decrease the chance of developing certain types of cancers. Studies also indicate that eating blueberry juice may help in preventing prostate cancer development, which is why many men have begun drinking it as a dietary supplement. Though the exact mechanism behind these benefits is unknown, many people report that drinking it as a drink makes them feel more energetic, happier, and has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression.
Although studies are still being conducted to verify the role of blueberries in lowering blood pressure, the results of these studies seem fairly promising. If you would like to try out this tasty treat, the best place to find it is at your local health food store. Since they are a healthy alternative to diet sodas and other sugary beverages, they are a natural choice and can be enjoyed anytime of day. With this being said, it is important to consult your doctor before you begin drinking any type of beverage for weight loss or other health concerns.