Reduce Cholesterol with Blueberries
by Pat Wilson
Blueberries may be a potent weapon in the battle to reduce
cholesterol. Studies and experimentation by the US
Department of Agriculture have found that the antioxidant, Pterostilbene, found in blueberries, was the most potent
ingredient when it came to activating a cell's PPAR-alpha
receptor which plays a role in reducing cholesterol.
Working with rat liver cells, the US team found that
Pterostilbene working in a similar way to Ciprofibrate, a
commercial drug that
lowers bad cholesterol. However, Pterostilbene does not carry the possible negative side effects
of Ciprofibrate, such as muscle pain and nausea.
More research and studies in humans are needed but these
latest results add to the health benefits of the blueberry. A
good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre, the blueberry is one
of the riches sources of antioxidants. These antioxidants keep
us healthy and young and fight cell damaging free radicals,
helping us to ward off cancer, strokes and other age-related
diseases.
The Blueberry is readily available in markets and
supermarkets and can be used to make jams, sauces, relishes,
desserts and puddings.
Further Information
H.E.A.R.T. - The Cholesterol Charity
HEART UK supports all those at risk of inherited high
cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
www.heartuk.org.uk
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