High blood pressure is thought to affect 10m people in the UK
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New studies suggest that eating blueberries can lower the risk of high blood pressure
High blood pressure – or hypertension - is said to affect 10m people in the UK alone and is often associated with stroke and heart disease. New evidence suggests that those who eat at least one serving of blueberries each week can reduce their risk of developing the condition by 10 per cent.
The research, carried out by the University of East Anglia and Harvard University, found that blueberries contain bioactive compounds called anthocyanins, which are believed to offer protection against hypertension after scientists studied the effects on a group of 181,000 men and women.
Although blueberries proved to be most effective, the research also highlights that the preventative bioactive compounds were also found in blackcurrants, blood oranges, aubergines and raspberries.
Aedin Cassidy, from the Department of Nutrition at UEA’s Medical School, added, ‘Our findings are exciting and suggest that an achievable dietary intake of anthocyanins may contribute to the prevention of hypertension.’
The next stage of the study will see randomised controlled trials using different foods containing anthocyanins to determine the most effective source.
By Jade Desumala
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