Blueberries Help Boost Cardio Fitness

Two randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover human-intervention trials were conducted with 21 healthy men who consumed various doses of blueberry polyphenols in concentrated form to determine the effect on vascular fitness.

It was proven a dose of 766 mgs of total blueberry polyphenols significantly improved blood flow due to effects on relaxing the endothelial lining. These benefits were noticeable within an hour and continued for six hours. The researchers showed the benefits were linked to circulating levels of blueberry polyphenols as well as metabolites of these polyphenols.

This level of blueberry polyphenols requires ingestion of 8 ounces of blueberries. This means that concentrated forms, such as blueberry juice or dietary supplement extracts are much easier ways to reach these levels of intake.

This is a high quality human study demonstrating the benefits of blueberry polyphenols for cardiovascular health.