“When any lagged behind, the cry of “blueberries” was most effectual to bring them up.”
Henry David Thoreau

July is National Blueberries Month and in honor of this delectable fruit today’s post will examine research on the health benefits of blueberries.

Recent research indicates that daily consumption of blueberry powder lowered both blood pressure and arterial stiffness in a group of post-menopausal women, who were either in pre-hypertension or the earliest stages of hypertension. A research group primarily from Florida State University followed 48 women through the 8 week study. Women were allocated to a blueberry powder group (equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries per day) or a placebo powder group.

Subjects in both groups were asked to continue their usual diet and exercise regimens (or lack thereof). After 8 weeks of daily blueberry powder the women were found to have a mean reduction of 5.1% in systolic blood pressure, and 6.3% in diastolic blood pressure, while the placebo powder group had no change.

What’s important about this study is that it shows the potential benefits of a simple dietary intervention, eating blueberries, on lowering blood pressure. It would be interesting to know if eating actual blueberries rather than the powder, would offer more blood pressure benefit, or whether eating more than just a cup of blueberries would offer additional benefit. Also, is this blood pressure lowering effect of blueberries extended to the general population?

(Source: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, March 2015, Volume 115, Number 3)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.