According to a new study, daily consumption of berries like cranberries can help improve cardiovascular function in healthy men. The study’s findings were published in the journal Food and Function.Also read – Why cranberries are good for you
The study included 45 healthy men who consumed 110 grams of fresh cranberries (9 grams of powder) or whole cranberry powder, the equivalent of a placebo, daily for a month. Also read – Nutritional supplements found naturally in fruits such as cranberries can help fight cancer.
Cranberry users showed a significant improvement in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indicating an improvement in the function of the heart and blood vessels. FMD is considered a risk-sensitive biomarker of cardiovascular disease and measures how wide the blood vessels widen when blood flow increases. Also read – Cranberries can help control urinary tract infections
Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Matos, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at King’s College London’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and senior author of the study, said: Can play.
He further added, “These improvements in cardiovascular health have been seen with a number of cranberries that can be reasonably consumed daily due to the fact that cranberries are an important fruit in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases for the general population.”
Low intake of fruits and vegetables is one of the top reversible risk factors associated with high incidence of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Growing evidence continues to link polyphenols from berries to heart health benefits. Cranberries are rich in unique proanthocyanidins that have different properties compared to the polyphenols found in other fruits.
The study explored whole-cranberry freeze-dry powder, the equivalent of 100 grams of fresh cranberries, and its effect on cardiovascular health. The results show that consumption of cranberry berries as part of a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving the function of blood vessels.
An initial pilot study was completed with five healthy youngsters to confirm the biological activity of whole cranberry freeze-dry powder. The pilot concluded that consumption of cranberries increased FMD and confirmed the dose.
The main study was the Gold Standard Study Design in which 45 healthy men used two packets or placebo of whole cranberry freeze-dry powder equivalent to 100 grams of fresh cranberries daily for one month each month.
Studies have shown a significant improvement in FMD two hours after first use and one month after daily use, showing both immediate and chronic benefits. In addition, metabolism was also identified and the positive effects seen in FMD were predicted. These results conclude that cranberries may play an important role in supporting cardiovascular health and good function of blood vessels.
Dr. Christian Hayes, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, said: This study further suggests that the specific metabolism present in the blood after the consumption of cranberries is related to the beneficial effects. “
(With ANI inputs)
