Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a tool for helping with Cardiovascular / heart health

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interrelated conditions that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress may impair normal physiological functions, leading to various illnesses. T2DM is considered to be associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, which may play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular complications, cancer and vision loss through cataracts and retinopathy. While conventional therapies are a cornerstone for the management of the major risk factors of metabolic syndrome, increasing antioxidant defense by increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods may improve long term prospects in CVD, obesity and T2DM. Bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L. ) is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins which give berries their red/purple/blue coloration. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and are reported to play an important role in the prevention of metabolic disease and CVD as well as cancer and other conditions. This review focuses on the potential effects of bilberry supplementation on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Although there is evidence to support the use of bilberry supplementation as part of a healthy diet, the potential benefits from the use of bilberry supplementation in patients with T2DM or CVD needs to be clarified in large clinical trials.

In an open-label randomised clinical trial of 50 patients after acute myocardial infarction, freeze-dried bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, 40 g/day) added to standard therapy significantly improved 6-minute walking distance and lowered oxidised LDL versus standard care alone.

The epidemiologic studies from the recent years indicate that high consumption of foods rich in bioactive compounds has a positive effect on human health and could diminish the risk of numerous diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cataracts, and even diseases related to age. From all species of fruit, definitely consumption of berries due to its high content of bioactive constituents prevents the risk of cardiovascular disease, oxidative stress and diabetes. The primary phenolic compounds in berries are flavonoids, particularly the anthocyanins. They have potential preventative and therapeutic effects on many diseases such as cancers, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative pathologies, and muscular degeneration. Bilberry fruits have been an important part of local diets in many countries, including Slovakia. They are valued for their pleasant taste and aroma and are often processed into jams, preserves, juices, and alcoholic beverages. In the last two decades, the Saskatoon berry has been cultivated in many parts of the world for its suitability for various food products and due to its high content of nutrients and polyphenols. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world's leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia, which results from one or more abnormalities of blood lipids metabolism, remains a major key factor for progression of CVD and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this review is to compare and summarize the research evidence on the potential of bilberries and saskatoon berries with an emphasis on recent studies in humans in improving cardiovascular risk factors especially dyslipidemia.