Have you seen the good news?
A recent Harvard study shows that diets including three or more servings a week of flavonoid-rich berries, like strawberries and blueberries, can decrease heart attack risk by 32 percent. The study was collaboration between the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia in the U.K. They monitored 93,600 women between the ages of 25 and 42 for 18 years to make this discovery.
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoid is the term for antioxidant properties naturally found in plants.
What are anthocyanins?
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid. They are compounds that develop the red, purple or blue pigment in fruits such as blueberries or strawberries and shown to be high in antioxidant properties.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are vitamins and nutrients that protect your body’s cells from damaging free radicals. Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables, but some fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants than others. The most commonly studied antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Here are a few links to some other good sources for more information on these topics!
Harvard School of Public Health
This is such an easy and delicious way to stay healthy and prevent heart disease – so don’t forget to eat your berries!