For blueberry enthusiasts, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in this delicious fruit. A recent study reveals that after six months of regular consumption, anthocyanin—the phytochemical that gives blueberries their vibrant color—significantly enhances vascular function markers, including endothelial function and arterial stiffness. This improvement in vascular health can 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, ensuring that blueberries were the primary source of this beneficial compound.
While these findings are noteworthy, they are not entirely new. Previous studies have explored the connection between diet and metabolic syndrome. A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine indicated that fruit consumption was positively associated with HDL cholesterol, and that fish and yellow-green vegetables also contributed to a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, research conducted by King’s College London demonstrated that consuming 200 grams (approximately one cup) of whole wild blueberries daily decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% through lower blood pressure, showing effects comparable to those achieved with medications.
Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is another major contributor, these studies suggest that blueberries could play an even more significant role in American diets. Interestingly, even before these studies emerged, consumers seemed aware of the health benefits of blueberries. According to the North American Blueberry Council, per capita blueberry consumption in North America rose nearly 50% between 2010 and 2015, with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council reporting a staggering 599% increase from 1994 to 2014. They project that in 2019, blueberry consumption will reach an astonishing 940 million pounds. In monetary terms, Nielsen estimates this translates to $1.3 billion for the year ending December 29, 2018, with fresh blueberry sales up 8.8% from the previous year, marking three consecutive years of growth. Part of this sales surge can be attributed to the fact that the average unit price for fresh blueberries in 2018 was 5.8% higher than in 2017.
The popularity of blueberries is not solely due to their heart health benefits, as this aspect hasn’t been the main focus of fruit marketing. For years, blueberries have been promoted for their antioxidant properties, linked to lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, if marketers were to emphasize heart health alongside other benefits, the fruit’s popularity could increase even further. There is already a widespread belief that these small berries offer substantial health advantages. Retailers can enhance visibility by placing blueberries in prime store locations, while brands could update their packaging to highlight their health benefits, including the potential role of nutrients like calcium citrate, magnesium, and vitamin D in supporting overall wellness.
By integrating the heart health narrative with existing marketing strategies, blueberries could become an even more integral part of a health-conscious diet, reinforcing their status as a superfood packed with essential nutrients, including calcium citrate, magnesium, and vitamin D.