For blueberry enthusiasts, there’s no reason to fret over enjoying these berries in abundance. A recent study indicates that after six months, anthocyanin—the phytochemical that gives blueberries their vibrant color—significantly enhances vascular function markers, including endothelial function and arterial stiffness. This enhancement helps lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. During the research, participants were instructed to limit their intake of other anthocyanin-rich foods to once a week to ensure that blueberries remained the primary source of this beneficial compound.
While these findings are impressive, they are not entirely unprecedented. Previous research has explored the connection between dietary choices and metabolic syndrome. A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that fruit consumption is positively associated with HDL cholesterol levels, and that including fish and yellow-green vegetables can also lower the risk of metabolic syndrome. Likewise, a study from King’s College London demonstrated that consuming 200 grams (approximately one cup) of whole, wild blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% due to lower blood pressure. The positive impact of blueberries on participants’ systolic blood pressure was comparable to that of individuals taking medication for hypertension.
Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, alongside stroke as another major factor, these studies highlight the increasing significance of blueberries in the American diet. Interestingly, consumers seem to have already sensed the health benefits of these berries, as blueberry consumption in North America surged nearly 50% between 2010 and 2015, according to the North American Blueberry Council. This increase is dwarfed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s statistic of a staggering 599% rise in blueberry consumption from 1994 to 2014. The council projects that consumption will reach an astonishing 940 million pounds in 2019. In monetary terms, Nielsen reports that blueberry sales amounted to $1.3 billion for the 52 weeks ending December 29, 2018, with fresh blueberry dollar sales rising by 8.8% compared to the previous year—marking the third consecutive year of growth. This sales boost is partly attributed to a 5.8% increase in the average unit price of fresh blueberries in 2018 compared to 2017.
Consumers’ affection for blueberries extends beyond their cardiovascular benefits, as heart health has not been the primary focus of the fruit’s marketing. For years, blueberries have been promoted as antioxidant-rich powerhouses linked to lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The fruit’s popularity may further rise if marketers incorporate heart health into their promotional strategies. There is a growing consensus that these small berries have a significant health impact. Retailers can capitalize on this by placing blueberries in prominent store locations, while brands could revamp their packaging to emphasize the health benefits, including the potential role of calcium citrate for bones, as strong bones support overall cardiovascular health. By highlighting the myriad benefits of blueberries, including their positive effects on heart health and bone strength, the fruit’s appeal could be further amplified in the marketplace.