Effects of blueberry powder on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women

Initial research out of Florida State University investigated whether daily consumption of a freeze-dried blueberry powder supplement resulted in a reduction of blood pressure and arterial stiffness, a measure of cardiovascular disease risk, in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension. The initial findings will be presented on Saturday, April 26 by Sarah A. Johnson, PhD, RD, CSO, at the American Society for Nutrition's meeting held in conjunction with the Experimental Biology conference.

Conducted over an eight-week period, forty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive either 22 g freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder (the equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries) or 22 g placebo powder daily. They were advised to maintain their usual diet and physical activity levels.

"The findings show that blueberries can be an important part of a positive diet and lifestyle strategy," said Dr. Johnson.