Researchers have found that intake of blueberries “acutely improves vascular [arterial] function…in an intake-dependent manner.” Less than a cup is beneficial, but one to two cups seem better with no benefit to eating more than that in a single meal.
BERRIES AND BIOLOGY: The study also suggested how flavonoids might work to improve blood-vessel function. By inhibiting an enzyme that reduces nitric-oxide levels in the bloodstream, the flavonoid metabolites might boost the availability of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels.
The antioxidants could help prevent plaque in arteries because they cut down on the harmful arterial lesions that give stiff, fatty plaques a place to form. In a recent study of animals that were at high risk of artery lesions, eating a blueberry-supplemented diet appeared to have a very protective effect.
You can “unclog” your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can also help reverse plaque.
All the fruits in the berry-family, including strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries are significant blood thinners.
Blueberries are a rich source of (poly)phenols, particularly anthocyanins. Epidemiological studies indicate that anthocyanin-rich foods including blueberries are associated with a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A: Blueberries contain powerful natural compounds call flavonoids which include anthocyanin. These substances act as antioxidants (which reduce cell damage) and antioxidants can increase the production of nitric oxide in the blood vessel.
Saturated fat is one of the worst offenders when it comes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Most experts suggest limiting saturated fats to under 7% of your daily calories.
Drinking teas, such as green or black tea, rooibos tea, or ginger tea may be good heart-healthy substitutes for other beverages. A study from 2011 found that drinking 6 cups of rooibos tea per day for 6 weeks helped to lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood in adults who were at risk for heart diseases.
In vitro (15–19) and animal (19–23) studies suggest biological mechanisms through which magnesium may prevent or reverse plaque formation and calcification.
Although it isn't possible to remove plaque from your arterial walls without surgery, you can halt and prevent future plaque build-up. Research does not support that specific food items can help clear arteries naturally, but a healthier diet is essential to reduce the chance of it forming in the first place.
Can atherosclerosis be reversed or slowed down? The disease is progressive, and, unfortunately, current treatments can't melt it away. However, there are things that can be done to slow its development and dramatically reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
Exercise. Aerobic exercise can raise HDL, lower blood pressure, burn body fat, and lower blood sugar levels. Exercise combined with weight loss can also lower LDL levels.
Eating specific foods cannot cleanse plaques out of the arteries, but a healthful diet can help manage and prevent heart disease. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to thickened or hardened arteries. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis.
According to a few studies, a bowl of blueberries can help in boosting immunity and can reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart diseases. Moreover, consuming a small portion of berries daily can help in strengthening the metabolism and prevent any kind of metabolic syndrome and deficiency.
Blueberries are small, round, bluish-purple fruits or berries. If you eat blueberries daily they help reduce chronic disease risk, improve cholesterol levels and heart health, reduce high blood pressure, and provide other benefits.
They could help keep you healthy this winter.
Forget an apple a day. Because blueberries pack in vitamin A and vitamin C, eating them could keep the doctor away this cold and flu season. Vitamin A boosts your immunity, while C acts as a powerful antioxidant, Haas says.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: G6PD is a genetic disorder. People with this disorder have problems breaking down some chemicals in food and drugs. One or more of these chemicals are found in blueberries. If you have G6PD, check with your healthcare provider before eating blueberries.
How many blueberries a day? Blueberries are something that can be enjoyed every day, and two handfuls of blueberries, which is the equivalent of 4 heaped teaspoons, counts towards one of your five-a-day portions. Research has found that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.