Berries of many colours

Abstract

Study 3: Berries and CVD risk factorsA recent Finnish trial looked at the effect of consuming a mixture of berries on CVD risk factors. Subjects and method:Single-blinded RCT (the investigators were blinded) on 72 non-obese adults (mean age 58 yrs, mean BMI=26.2) who had at least one CVD risk factor (hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, elevated blood glucose). They were randomly assigned to consume either a mixture of berries (bilberries and lingonberries on one day, blackcurrant or strawberry puree plus chokeberry and raspberry juice on the alternate day) or control (sweetened semolina and rice porridge and marmalade sweets) for 8 weeks. Results:The berry group had significantly improvements in platelet function, HDL cholesterol and blood pressure -see Table on left. Ref: Erlund I. et al. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):323-31 NUTRITION RESEARCH REVIEW Study 1: Strawberry helps in lipid reduction diet A recent Canadian trial used strawberries as part of a lipid reduction diet. Subjects and method:Randomised crossover controlled trial on 28 hyperlipidaemic subjects who had already spent a mean of 2.5 yrs on a lipid reducing plan (including soy, fibre, plant sterol and nuts). They added to this diet either strawberries (454 gm/day) or more oat bran (control) for 1 month. Results:Consuming strawberries resulted in the reductions in LDL and LDL:HDL ratio that had been achieved previously being maintained (to an extent similar to the controls) and to a significant reduction in LDL oxidative damage (TBA-reactive substances in LDL fraction reduced p=0.014). Ref: Jenkins DJ. et al. The effect of strawberries in a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio. Metabolism. 2008 Dec;57(12):1636-44.