Blueberries reduce high cholesterol better than drugs, and without the negative side effects

Its effect was similar to the drug ciprofibrate, but did not cause ciprofibrate's side effects of muscle pain and nausea. The conclusion is that blueberries lower cholesterol as effectively as drugs, but without the negative side effects.

• Blueberries could provide an alternative way to lower cholesterol, according to US researchers.
• A compound in the fruits acted as effectively as a commercial drug used to reduce levels of the "bad" form of cholesterol in rodents.
• Although the results are preliminary, the Department of Agriculture team thinks the antioxidant ingredient could be developed as a treatment.
• Dr Agnes Rimando and her team studied the effect of the chemical and three other blueberry compounds on rat liver cells.
• Pterostilbene showed the most potent effect in stimulating a receptor protein in the cells which plays an important role in lowering cholesterol and other blood fats.
• Ciprofibrate is effective but can cause muscle pain and nausea in some people.
• But because the blueberry compound targets the liver cell receptor more accurately, Dr Rimando believes it is likely to have fewer side effects.
• Dr Rimando said: "We are excited to learn that blueberries, which are already known to be rich in healthy compounds, may also be a potent weapon in the battle against obesity and heart disease."
• Belinda Linden from the British Heart Foundation said: "Research has suggested that natural chemicals found in fruit, including blueberries, have potent antioxidant properties which may reduce the harmful type of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL).
• She said it was also important to remember that regular physical activity combined with a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fat was still the best way to combat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.