High cholesterol contributes to 56% of heart attacks and is responsible for 4.4 million heart deaths a year. Recently, a study was performed on pigs that involved feeding trials in which the animals’ lipid levels were monitored after consuming a plant-based diet that incorporated blueberries. The results, published in the British Journal of Nutrition in July 2008, showed great benefit to the animal in terms of lowering the risk heart disease. The results have great application to humans as well.
Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects the arterial blood vessels. Also known as “hardening of the arteries,” atherosclerosis is related to the bodywide inflammation which is part of metabolic syndrome (MSx), a combination of medical conditions that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
One of the best natural solutions to treat both the atherosclerosis and its underlying inflammation is by simply incorporating dark berries into your diet. Blueberries have a wide range of micronutrients, with notably high levels of manganese, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, dietary fiber and antioxidants. But berries cannot do it alone; they need to be part of a healthy diet for optimal results. The benefits of antioxidants is most prevalent in people who eat a primarily plant-based diet with vegetables, soy, and whole grains like oats and barley, that also contains a reduced amount of animal fats, animal products, high glycemic foods, and fried or processed foods.
Editor’s Note: Abstracted by Harvey Gilbert, MD, from Kalt, W., Foote, V., Fillmore, S.A., et.al. Effect of blueberry feeding on plasma lipids in pigs. Br.J.Nutr. 2008, July; 100(1): 70-8. Epub 2007 Dec 17.