Is Blueberry Extract Better than Statins?

Dear Friends

Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease (ACD), or clogged arteries, is the leading cause of death in the world. Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol levels in the blood, is one of the  major causative factor (Barquer et al., 2015) .  Hence, statins are among the top selling drugs.

High use of statins, however, comes with possible serious side effects.  Stroher et al. (2015) tested the possible advantages of combining lower doses of statins with a Blueberry Extract, or using Blueberry Extract on its own.  Her research group found that dosing hypercholesterolemic rats with a combination of Zocor (also called SIM) and Blueberry Extract (BE) brought better results. However, using Blueberry Extract alone also brought good results.

Thirty-six hypercholesterolemic rats were divided into six groups of six animals each, with  14 days of the following supplementation regime for each group: (1) Control (only got the high-fat diet), (2) Fat diet + SIM 10mg/kg, (3) Fat diet + BE  25mg/kg, (4) Fat diet + BE 50mg/kg, (5) Fat diet + BE 25mg/kg + SIM, (6) Fat diet + BE 50mg/kg + SIM.  Many beneficial results were found as is presented in bar graphs below.

This graph shows, after histological section, the thickness measurements of the aorta of hypercholesterolemic rats after treatment.  Notice here that groups 3-6 got better results. But the interesting part about this measurement is that group 4 got only 50mg of blueberry extract and has similar result to group 6 which got SIM drug and blueberry extract, 50mg.

To see the multitude of other bar graphs from their paper, graphically illustrating the various benefits derived from adding the Blueberry Extract, click the Stroher link in the References below.

After 14 days of supplementation with blueberry extract the levels of total cholesterol, LDLs, and triglycerides were decrease in hypercholesterolemic rats.  Histopathological analysis, analyzing the tissues after death, showed significant decrease of aortic lesions.  Oxidative parameters showed significant reductions in oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and an increase in activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

In conclusion, Stroher et al. (2015) state that Blueberry Extract supplementation was able to protect against weight gain, improve the lipid profile, reduce the high levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and showed an anti-atherogenic effect in these rats.  The Blueberry Extract also showed improved oxidative parameters, showing a decrease is oxidation of lipids and proteins.  They concluded that as nutraceutical blueberry extract may have great potential as people prefer natural therapies.

Therapeutic Food Blueberry Extract is a powerhouse not only for brain function but for heart health as well.  Recommended dose is 1-2 capsules daily- with 500mg of pure blueberry extract in each capsule. We also suggest 1-2 tablespoons of Beta Glucan Synbiotic for lowering LDL cholesterol, and a primarily whole food, plant-based diet which is shown in research to combat heart disease.

References:

• Barquera, S., Pedroza-Tobías, A., Medina, C., Hernández-Barrera, L., Bibbins-Domingo, K., Lozano, R., & Moran, A. E. (2015). Global overview of the epidemiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Archives of medical research, 46(5), 328-338.
• Serino, A., & Salazar, G. (2019). Protective role of polyphenols against vascular inflammation, aging and cardiovascular disease. Nutrients,11(1), 53.
• Stroher, D. J., Piccoli, J. D. C. E., da Costa Güllich, A. A., Pilar, B. C., Coelho, R. P., Bruno, J. B., … & Manfredini, V. (2015). 14 Days of supplementation with blueberry extract shows anti-atherogenic properties and improves oxidative parameters in hypercholesterolemic rats model. Int J Food Sci Nutr, 66(5), 559-68.

To your health,

Seann

We have developed our products based on scientific research and/or the practical experience of many healthcare practitioners. There is a growing body of literature on food based nutrition and supplements and their application in support of our health. Please use our products under the advisement of your doctor.

Green Facts:

Our diet is a major factor for heart health. We suggest eating a primarily whole food, plant-based diet, with organic meat, dairy, and eggs serving as condiments every so often. (Serino & Salazar, 2019). .

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