Review Article - Journal of Food Science and Nutrition (2025) Volume 8, Issue 3

Effect of berries on cardiovascular health.

This review article examines the potential impact of berry consumption on cardiovascular health, with a focus on berries' rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. Drawing upon a comprehensive synthesis of human intervention studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials, the review aims to provide insights into the role of berries in mitigating Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors and improving vascular function. The findings suggest that berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and wolfberries, possess bioactive compounds with promising cardiovascular benefits. Specifically, berry consumption has been associated with improvements in vascular function, including endothelial function and arterial stiffness, as well as reductions in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia. Notably, certain berries, particularly those rich in anthocyanins, have demonstrated a protective effect against Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and cardiovascular mortality. However, the review highlights several gaps and limitations in the existing literature, including variations in study designs, populations studied, berry types and forms used, dosages administered, and outcome measures assessed. While preclinical studies have provided insights into potential mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of berries, further mechanistic research and long-term clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings and translate them into actionable recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention and management. In conclusion, while berries show promise as part of a heart-healthy diet, continued research efforts are needed to fully elucidate their role in cardiovascular health and to optimize their incorporation into dietary strategies for CVD prevention and management.

Author(s):

Mahrukh Imran*, Syeda Ameena Haider

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