Got high blood pressure? Consider scarfing down more blueberries, cranberries and strawberries.
Earlier this year (2011), a big, long study (spanned two continents and 14 years, and 133,914 women and 23,043 men) found that people who had a higher intake of the anthocyanins present in these berries had a reduction in blood pressure of between 8 and 12 percent. Anthocyanins are red, blue and purple pigments that give some fruits, vegetables and flowers their intense and distinct color.
The researchers also noted that an average serving of blood orange juice and blackcurrants contain more than 500mg of these anthocyanins.
James Townsend is editor in chief of WellWise.org, a nonprofit organization for the dissemination of science-based information about supplements, nutrients and strategies for health.
Source:
A. Cassidy, et al; "Habitual intake of flavonoid subclasses and incident hypertension in adults,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011, Volume 93, Pages 338-347
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