New research suggests that eating more strawberries and blueberries may help women lower their risk of a heart attack. The study followed more than 93,000 women (ages 25 – 42) for 18 years and found that the women who ate more than three half-cup servings of these fruits a week were at a 32% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who ate fewer servings.
The research was to determine whether anthocyanins, antioxidants found in plants that repair cells from damage, are good for the heart. (Anthocyanins are also found in other red, blue and purple fruits and vegetables such as eggplant, raspberries, cherries, and plums.)
Although there may be other variables that account for this reduced risk (e.g. the women in the study who consumed high levels of anthocyanins were less likely to smoke, were more physically active, and had lower fat and higher fiber intake), the findings of this study are similar to other studies showing that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked with lower heart disease risk.
