Eating blueberries can guard against high blood pressure

I am a fruit buff. So any news regarding health benefits of fruits cheer me.  Here is something from scientists of UEA and Harvard. They have discovered that eating blueberries can guard against high blood pressure. It is the bioactive compounds in blueberries called anthocyanins that offer protection against hypertension.

Around a quarter of the adult population of the world suffers from high blood pressure. The treatment costs more than $300 billion each year.

Compared to people who ate no blueberries, those eating at least one serving of blueberries per week were 10 per cent less likely to develop hypertension.

Other rich sources of anthocyanins include blackcurrants, blood oranges, aubergines and raspberries.They are found in many fruits, vegetables, grains and herbs. Blackberries came up trumps.

The research underlines the fact that dietary intake of anthocyanins may contribute to the prevention of hypertension.

Full details will appear in February 2011 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.