May help keep your arteries healthy
Berries also help your arteries operate better, which improves heart health in addition to decreasing cholesterol. Endothelial cells are the type of cells that line your blood arteries. They carry out crucial tasks such as preventing blood clots and blood pressure management. Excessive inflammation can harm these cells, impairing their ability to operate properly. Endothelial dysfunction, a significant risk factor for heart disease, is what this is. Studies on healthy adults, patients with metabolic syndrome, and smokers have revealed that berries increase endothelium function.
In a controlled trial involving 44 individuals with metabolic syndrome, those who had a daily blueberry smoothie outperformed the control group in terms of endothelial function. Although fresh berries are thought to be the healthiest, processed berries may still have some advantages for the heart. While freeze-dried berries aren't processed, baked berry goods are. According to one study, even though blueberries' anthocyanin content decreased when baked, their overall antioxidant concentrations did not change. People who consumed baked or freeze-dried berries experienced similar improvements in arterial function.