A new animal study suggests that eating blueberries may help reduce belly fat and lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Researchers the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center compared the effects of adding powered freeze dried blueberries in low- or high-fat diets fed to lab rats. After 3 months, the rats that ate the diets with blueberry powder had less belly fat, lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, compared to the rats that did not eat blueberry powder. The study results were presented yesterday at the Experimental Biology meeting in New Orleans.

The study investigators rats believe that their rat model is similar to people who are obese and have multiple risk factors for heart disease and diabetes such as increased belly fat, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

The study was funded by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, but they apparently were not involved in the conduct or interpretation of the study results.

One of the researchers, Dr. Steven Bolling, was quoted in a press release: “The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables has been well-researched, but our findings in regard to blueberries shows the naturally occurring chemicals they contain, such as anthocyanins, show promise in mitigating these health conditions.”

Anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical, are natural pigments that are responsible for the color of red and purple fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, cherries, raspberries, beets, and purple grapes. Anthocyanins have received recent attention for their possible health effects because they are strong antioxidants.

Although previous animal studies have documented some health benefits of blueberries against cancer and the effects of aging, more research is needed to confirm their possible benefits in people. Find out more about healthy eating in our diet and nutrition guide or get valuable tips from the Healia diet and nutrition community.  
 

_{Photo: D. Sharon Pruitt, Flickr, Creative Commons}