Learn how blueberries are natural blood pressure reducers, and discover the benefits of blueberries for the brain.
Believe it or not, beautiful blueberries benefit your blood pressure, your brain, and your baby blues!
The high flavonoid content and powerful antioxidant properties of blueberries allow them to help reduce blood pressure and improve memory. In particular, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are flavonoid pigments that provide color to many fruits and vegetables and have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In one study, British researchers found that those with the highest intake of anthocyanins (predominantly from blueberries and strawberries) had an 8 percent reduction in blood pressure compared to those with the lowest intake. Researchers think that anthocyanins reduce high blood pressure by promoting the release of nitric oxide, the chemical in arterial walls that keeps the blood vessels relaxed and dilated.
Get more of Dr. Sinatra's advice on Healthy Blood Pressure
These natural blood pressure reducers also appear to protect your aging eyes and brain. At one anti-aging conference I attended, a research ophthalmologist proclaimed that, when it comes to protecting your retina, blueberry pigments have even more antioxidant potential than the more common resource—marigold flower (lutein)—used to prevent macular degeneration. Another study on aging rats found that rats given blueberries in their feed had a lower rate of memory decline. In addition to being natural blood pressure reducers, blueberries were shown in this study to reverse memory loss. It was speculated that the flavonoids in blueberries help brain cells communicate better, improving brain function.
Reduce Blood Pressure With Blueberry Benefits
Eating blueberries several times a week is simple to do, since you can work them into just about any meal.
Take breakfast, for instance. Try a morning shake of blueberries with organic yogurt and crushed flax. Throw a heaping handful of blueberries into your cereal bowl. Eat these natural blood pressure reducers alongside your omelet.
When selecting blueberries, organic wild blueberries are the best way to reduce blood pressure because they are cultivated without toxic chemicals, so try to get them whenever you can. And don't discount dried blueberries in a pinch—especially for a snack. Dried fruit, in general, is an excellent source of fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates.
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Video courtesy of HeartMDInstitute