(NaturalNews) How good are blueberries at lowering high cholesterol and protecting cardiovascular health? This article compiles a collection of quotes and statements about blueberries from doctors, authors and health experts.
Learn about
anthocyanosides and the
natural medicine found in blueberries and other types of berries. You'll learn how these berries not only protect your cardiovascular health, but they also boost brain health and protect your entire nervous system.
Berries are truly
medicine from Mother Nature, and they support human
health in so many ways that if
berries were drugs, they would be called "miracle
drugs."
The best way to get berries, of course, is to eat them fresh (like I do in Ecuador). But if you can't get them fresh, here are two sources I recommend (I have no financial relationship with any of these companies):
www.FruitFast.com - they make outstanding concentrated liquids and
food bars with cherry, blueberry,
pomegranate and other superfruits. This is my favorite source for
fruit concentrates. Read my review here:
http://www.naturalnews.com/023645.htmlwww.MorFoods.com - They make the ever-popular "Bear Fruit Bars" which are concentrated
organic fruit bars (way better than Larabar, which sold out to the big food companies). Read my review here:
http://www.naturalnews.com/Review_400018_fruit_bars_MorFoods_FruitFast.htmlIf you're looking for fruit concentrates in capsules, check them out at Vitacost:
http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Tart-Cherry-ExtractHere's the
collection of quotes from other sources:
Authors' Quotes on Blueberries and Cholesterol
Below, you'll find selected quotes from noted authors on the subject of Blueberries and Cholesterol. Feel free to quote these in your own work provided you give proper credit to both the original author quoted here and this
NaturalNews page.
Recently,
doctors in Paris and Budapest isolated chemicals in
blueberries called anthrocyanosides. In tests on rabbits, they found that these
chemicals were effective in reducing the damage caused to brain
blood vessels from a high-cholesterol
diet. The anthrocyanosides helped block
cholesterol from penetrating into
the brain blood vessels. And since proper
blood flow to the brain is essential for mental energy and health, it looks like
blueberries may very well help improve brain function.
-
Natural Health Secrets From Around the World by Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.-
Available on Amazon.comA collaborative team of scientists at the University of Paris and the Semmelweis Medical University in Budapest extracted anthocyanosides from
blueberries and injected them in rabbits
eating a high
cholesterol diet. The blueberry chemicals counteracted some of the ill effects of the atherosclerosis brought on by the high
cholesterol diet. Rabbits fed high
cholesterol plus blueberry chemicals had less severe calcium-fat deposits in their aortas and less-diseased small blood vessels in the
brain than animals fed only
cholesterol.
-
The Food Pharmacy: Dramatic New Evidence That Food Is Your Best Medicine by Jean Carper-
Available on Amazon.comSince
arteriosclerosis is worsened by high
cholesterol levels, which contribute to the formation of dangerous
blood clots, you should consider using the
herbs recommended in "Cholesterol Reduction" and "Blood Clots." For example, compounds called anthocyanidins, which give
foods such as bilberries,
blueberries,
grapes, hawthorn berries and
cherries their bright coloring, reduce your chances of developing arteriosclerosis by slowing down both
cholesterol buildup and the blood's tendency to clot.
-
Herbs for Health and Healing by Kathi Keville-
Available on Amazon.comWe know that high-fiber foods, and the pectin found in
apples, will lower
cholesterol.
Blueberries are very good at this, too. Hot grain cereals such as oats, barley, and buckwheat are also good. Therefore, having some apples and
blueberries in your cereal is exceptionally helpful. Other anticholesterol foods are polyunsaturated
oils (in small amounts only!) and linoleic oils from cold
fish (but do not eat shellfish), walnuts,
almonds, sunflower seeds, and nut butters.
-
Gary Null's Power Aging by Gary Null-
Available on Amazon.comBlueberries have the highest
antioxidant capacity, making them highly protective for the
cardiovascular system. They contain
pterostilbene, which lowers
cholesterol, and
anthocyanins, which improve vision and
brain function and guard against
macular degeneration. The ellagic acid in them has anticancer activity.
-
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.-
Available on Amazon.comMy choice for the top foods for
cholesterol are
blueberries (1 pint a day),
garlic, ginger, onions and anything with
omega-3 oils such as chia seeds, flax seeds,
salmon or oily fish. On the
supplement side, I recommend cod
liver oil, policosinol, macadamia nut oil and medicinal
mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake. And if you really need a boost from
supplements, try red yeast rice. In addition to good
nutrition, achieving healthy
cholesterol levels also requires avoiding all dairy products (
milk, cheese, etc.) except, perhaps, raw organic milk.
-
Natural Health Solutions by Mike Adams-
Available on Amazon.comIt's simple:
blueberries, garlic and lots of superfoods. Nutrition is the best medicine in the world. Plus, my medical bills are zero, I have no
side effects, and I don't need a doctor's permission to treat myself with
blueberries. The medicine found in everyday foods flatly makes statin drugs obsolete. If the FDA or conventional medicine had any remaining ethics whatsoever, you would have already been told this fact. But, alas, there's no money in teaching people to eat
healthy and treat high
cholesterol with nature's medicines.
-
Natural Health Solutions by Mike Adams-
Available on Amazon.comThey also decrease tumor growth; reduce elevated blood
cholesterol, and prevent oxidation of LDL (bad)
cholesterol and blood cell clumping; enhance the activity of
vitamin C; strengthen collagen (the main
protein in skin and other tissues, including blood vessel walls); improve peripheral
circulation; and help safeguard eyesight, especially in individuals with diabetic retinopathy. Some sorghum varieties have been found to contain as high or even higher levels of anthocyanins than
blueberries, a highly touted source of these protective plant compounds.
-
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.-
Available on Amazon.comA compound found in both
cranberries and
blueberries, called Pterostilbene, is crucial for the
metabolism of lipids, including
cholesterol.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidant
phytonutrients called anthocyanidins which neutralize free radicals. Anthocyanins improve the integrity of the veins and entire vascular system.
Where to buy it: At the grocery store-fresh, dried, frozen or as a
juice (with little to no
sugar added) are all good sources.
-
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.-
Available on Amazon.com Blueberries contain powerful
cholesterol medicines that lower LDL
cholesterol even better than drugs, without the
risk of side effects. These phytonutrients are found in the
skin of the blueberry, by the way, and they are called anthocyanins (another phytonutrient).
-
Natural Health Solutions by Mike Adams-
Available on Amazon.comPectin, a soluble form of
fiber found in apples,
blueberries, and
grapefruit, particularly helps reduce
cholesterol. If you want to add more fiber, take 1 teaspoon a day of psyllium with 8 ounces of
water or juice. Psyllium is the active ingredient in Metamucil, but the latter also has sugar, preservatives, and food colorings. Stick to the plain psyllium found in your health food
store it's cheaper, too. Make olive
oil and fish oil your predominant dietary
fats. They both can actually lower LDL
cholesterol. However, don't entirely neglect the other fats: Keep your nutrition in balance.
-
Bottom Line's Prescription Alternatives by Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA-
Available on Amazon.comOther good sources include
blackberries, black chokeberries, boysenberries, black currants,
blueberries, cherries, cranberries, red grapes and red
raspberries. I suspect that all of these
fruits might help prevent and treat angina. Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (A. cepa) Both of these spicy herbs help treat
heart disease by lowering
cholesterol and
blood pressure and by preventing formation of the blood clots that trigger
heart attack. According to one study, munching one clove of garlic daily cuts
cholesterol by 9 percent.
-
The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs by James A. Duke, Ph.D.-
Available on Amazon.comAnthocynanins are the reddish-blue pigments found in cherries, cranberries, raspberries,
blueberries, grapes, red currants, and red
cabbage. There are over 150 different anthocyanins in the plant world. They inhibit
cholesterol synthesis by limiting the production of HMG-COA reductase, a precursor to
cholesterol. This may make anthocyanins protective against both cancer and heart
disease. Ascorbic acid is the plant form of vitamin C. It is found in a variety of
fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits and their juices,
broccoli, green pepper, and tomatoes.
-
Foods That Fight Disease: A Simple Guide to Using and Understanding Phytonutrients to Protect and Enhance Your Health by Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.-
Available on Amazon.comBlueberries: High in pectin, which can help lower
cholesterol,
blueberries contain
antioxidants which may help prevent different forms of
cancer as well as increase resistance to
infections. Cranberryjuice: Contains a component that has a "Teflon effect" on E. coli bacteria, preventing it from sticking to the endothelial cells of the urinary tract, which may help prevent urinary tract infections. Garlic. Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a component of garlic oil, may deactivate carcinogens and help prevent the growth of cancerous tumors.
-
Dr. Earl Mindell's Unsafe at Any Meal: How to Avoid Hidden Toxins in Your Food by Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis-
Available on Amazon.comWith a plethora of recent research, the specific
healing properties of pecans, almonds, grapes, cranberries,
blueberries, kiwi, pomegranates, mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, cinnamon, and a whole host of other popular foods have been revealed not just as anecdotal chatter but rather as documented medical facts. According to a 2001 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, eating a handful of pecans daily reduces
cholesterol and may be a viable alternative to using cholesterol reducing drugs.
-
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC-
Available on Amazon.comThe stronger concentrated bilberry extracts are needed with more serious diseases such as MS and macular degeneration, unless you love to eat
blueberries. The best thing about them is that, like raspberries and blackberries, they contain less sugar than most other fruits. The antioxidant action of bilberry extracts can help prevent the problems caused by elevated LDL (bad)
cholesterol levels (Laplaud et al., 1997). Other reported benefits based upon pharmacological studies include wound healing, antiulcer action (Martin A et al).
-
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments by Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.-
Available on Amazon.comSuffer from
high cholesterol? Eat
blueberries. At risk for breast cancer? Drink
green tea. These are all examples of limited, allopathic
thinking. It's sometimes called "
green allopathy" because it uses
natural medicine in an allopathic way. But if you wish to truly be healthy, you must move beyond allopathic thinking and understand the Unified Theory of Health.
All those different diseases have the same common
causes.
Just two or three significant underlying physiological or biochemical problems, you see, can manifest themselves in a hundred different ways, depending on circumstances.
-
Natural Health Solutions by Mike Adams-
Available on Amazon.comApricots, blackberries, black cherries,
blueberries, cranberries, dates, figs, gooseberries, grapefruit,
oranges, peaches, prunes. Eat foods low in
cholesterol and
fat, as well as high-fiber foods, such as fruits,
vegetables, and whole grains, for healthy circulation. If arteries lose their elasticity, harden, and have
calcium deposits, it is arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a similar condition except that the deposits are fatty substances. One-quarter of deaths in the U.S. occur from heart attacks and most are attributed to these causes.
-
Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC-
Available on Amazon.comBlueberries dramatically slows impairments in motor coordination and
memory that are the usual accompaniments of
aging. What's more, they may help lower blood
cholesterol and promote urinary health. Bilberries, a close European cousin of the blueberry, have been shown to promote
eye health and protect against glaucoma and cataract progression.
-
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.-
Available on Amazon.comBlueberries: Contain disease-fighting, age-proofing antioxidants and anticancer properties. They help lower
cholesterol levels, help prevent short-term memory loss, and help promote weight control. Wild salmon: One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce heart disease and inflammatory
conditions. Rich in carotenoids,
vitamins B, A, and D; good for calcium absorption. Pomegranate: Rich in potassium and vitamin C, and has three times the antioxidants of red wine and green tea.
-
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.-
Available on Amazon.comGood fruits to include are apples and
blueberries, because of their gel-forming fibers. As these foods travel through the intestines, they provide a sense of fullness, which signals the brain to turn off its hunger appestat. Additionally, sea vegetables, such as kelp, nourish the thyroid, which in turn keeps the metabolism running smoothly. Drinking plenty of pure water is important as well. Dieters should be wary of the no-fat craze, as avoiding fats completely can be dangerous. Each cell in our body is lined with
cholesterol or fat.
-
The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments by Gary Null, Ph.D.-
Available on Amazon.comFoods that are high in flavonoids include wine that is made from
red grapes, and berries (such as blackberries,
blueberries, and raspberries). Both are very good for keeping the heart healthy. The cholesterol-reducing agents found in herbs in the mucus-removing group help prevent vessel clogging. Tonic herbs found in the immune group help keep the heart muscle energized. Any of the herbs from the blood-nourishing group will strengthen the heart, because the blood nourishes all the muscles, including the heart muscle.
-
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments by Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.-
Available on Amazon.comApples, oranges, bananas,
strawberries, and
blueberries are some of the fruits and berries also loaded avocado slices and with antioxidants. Enjoy them on mandarin oranges on cereal, in salads, or by themselves a bed of greens. Top it as snacks. When possible, eat the off with a few slivered skins of fruits and vegetables, too. almonds and a low-fat vinaigrette dressing. The extra fiber adds even more protection for your brain by lowering
cholesterol and blood pressure, both linked to Alzheimer's.
-
Unleash the Inner Healing Power of Foods by The Editors of FC&A-
Available on Amazon.comSome of the best sources are in seasonal fruits such as grapes,
blueberries, cherries, and plums. The
proanthocyanidins are found mainly in the peels, skins, or
seeds. Food processing and storage will reduce bioavailability. PCO selectively binds to the connective tissue of joints, preventing swelling, helping heal damaged tissue, and lessening pain. PCO has also been shown to prevent the stickiness of blood platelets that can lead to blood clots and strokes. Patients taking PCO of grape seed extract have reported reduced blood pressure and
cholesterol levels.
-
Gary Null's Power Aging by Gary Null-
Available on Amazon.comThe exception to the rule is
blueberries, which can be stored for about 5 days or so. A 10 percent higher free-radical-scavenging activity for red grapefruit. This was followed by a human trial of postoperative bypass
patients with high triglyceride levels who were put on a very low-fat diet (the standard for fighting heart disease), but one group was given red or white grapefruit every day for 30 days. The grapefruit eaters, in general, had lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol levels.
-
Food Synergy: Unleash Hundreds of Powerful Healing Food Combinations to Fight Disease and Live Well by Elaine Magee-
Available on Amazon.comA decade ago, we knew much less about phytochemicals, such as the powerful antioxidant lycopene (a red carotenoid found mainly in
tomatoes), anthocyanins (potent antioxidants that give berries their deep blue color), and pterostilbene (which appears to turn on a switch in cells that breaks down fat and cholesterol) in
blueberries and two grape varieties Gamay and Pinot.
-
Food Synergy: Unleash Hundreds of Powerful Healing Food Combinations to Fight Disease and Live Well by Elaine Magee-
Available on Amazon.comRaspberries,
blueberries, strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and with powerful healthful plant compounds called proanthocyanidins protective against all degenerative diseases, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Plus they have a low glycemic index. Raw almond
butter: Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which lower blood lipids (e.g., cholesterol). Also loaded with fiber and vitamins and
minerals, in particular magnesium and vitamin B6 (two
nutrients that many are people deficient in). Also an excellent source of vitamin E. cell membranes.
-
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.-
Available on Amazon.com
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is an independent journalist with strong ethics who does not get paid to write articles about any product or company. In mid 2010, Adams produced NaturalNews.TV, a natural health video sharing website offering user-generated videos on nutrition, green living, fitness and more. He's also a noted pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds.
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