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Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol^1,2,3

¹ From the Biomarker Laboratory, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland (IE, RK, and GA); the Population Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute, Turku, Finland (AJ, JM, PP); the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland (PMu); and MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland (PMa)

Background: Berries are a particularly rich source of polyphenols. They also contain other bioactive substances, such as vitamin C. Previous studies indicated that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods (eg, cocoa, tea, and red wine) may induce beneficial changes in pathways related to cardiovascular health. Whether the consumption of berries has similar effects is unknown.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of berry consumption on hemostatic function, serum lipids, and blood pressure (BP).

Design: Middle-aged unmedicated subjects (n = 72) with cardiovascular risk factors consumed moderate amounts of berry or control products for 8 wk in a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial.

Results: Berry consumption inhibited platelet function as measured with a platelet function analyzer (using collagen and ADP as platelet activator) [changes: 11% and –1.4% in the berry and control groups, respectively; P = 0.018, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)]. Plasma biomarkers of platelet activation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis did not change during the intervention. Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations increased significantly more (P = 0.006, ANCOVA) in the berry than in the control group (5.2% and 0.6%, respectively), but total cholesterol and triacylglycerol remained unchanged. Systolic BP decreased significantly (P = 0.050, ANCOVA); the decrease mostly occurred in subjects with high baseline BP (7.3 mm Hg in highest tertile; P = 0.024, ANCOVA). Polyphenol and vitamin C concentrations in plasma increased, whereas other nutritional biomarkers (ie, folate, tocopherols, sodium, and potassium) were unaffected.

Conclusion: The consumption of moderate amounts of berries resulted in favorable changes in platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and BP. The results indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Key Words: Berries • polyphenols • hemostasis • blood pressure • intervention study

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				J. A. Paramo A new favourable effect of cocoa on atherosclerosis? Cardiovasc Res, July 1, 2008; 79(1): 3 - 4. [Full Text] [PDF]