VOLUME 2008 issue 9

Berries Bring Heart Health Benefits

Berries are a rich source of polyphenols and other bioactive substances (such as Vitamin C), demonstrating their antioxidant potential. Iris Erlund, from the National Public Health Institute (Finland), and colleagues have found that a diet rich in berries may bring heart health benefits as well. In a study of 77 men and women (average age 58), the team found that those who consumed a 100 grams or more of whole berries [or 50 grams or more of berry products (nectars or purees)] for two months were able to reduce their systolic blood pressure by 7.3 mm and increase their levels of HDL cholesterol by 5% or more. In addition to improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, the berry-rich diet also was associated with an 11% inhibition of platelet function (increased rates of which are correlated to blood clotting and atherlersclerosis).
[Erlund I, Koli R, Alfthan G, Marniemi J, Puukka P, Mustonen P, Mattila P, Jula A. “Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):323-31.]

Dr. Klatz observes: “Almost 700,000 Americans die of heart diseases each year (29% of all the nation’s deaths), and approximately 700,000 strokes occur in the US each year, many of them resulting in long-term disability. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases cost $403.1 billion in 2006, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity to the nation. This study is significant in that it is may help to elucidate the heart-protective value of a diet rich in fruits – specifically that of strawberries, black currants, bilberries, and lingonberries.”

For Men, Healthy Habits Lead to Longer Lives

Laurel Yates, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Massachusetts, USA), and coilleagues analyzed 25 years of data from a group of 2,357 men (average age 72), who participated in the Physicians’ Health Study. Forty-one percent (41%) of the men lived to be 90 or older. At age 70, men who did not smoke, were not obese, had normal blood pressure, did not have diabetes, and exercised regularly had a 54% chance of living for at least 20 years. But among 70-year olds who smoked, were obese, had hypertension and diabetes, and were sedentary, a mere 4% reached age 90. The longer-lived men also maintained better physical function and mental well-being as they aged, and developed heart disease or cancer years later than their shorter-lived peers.
[Yates LB, Djoussé L, Kurth T, Buring JE, Gaziano JM. Exceptional longevity in men: modifiable factors associated with survival and function to age 90 years. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Feb 11;168(3):284-90.]

Remarks Dr Goldman: “This study points to the significant extension of longevity, and prolonged quality of life, associated with healthy habits. By making smart lifestyle choices, we reward ourselves with longer, healthier, productive lifespans.”

Mechanism of Cholesterol-Reducing Diets Explored

High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) have been long-associated with cardiovascular disease. David Jenkins, from St. Michael’s Hospital (Ontario, Canada) and colleagues enrolled 42 men and women (average age 63) in a study that assigned participants a diet low in saturated fat, and high in soy protein, fiber, and plant sterols. After a period of 80 weeks, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels decreased by 15.4% (as compared to a 9% reduction in the study counterparts who were not consuming plant sterols).
[Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, Nguyen TH, Marchie A, Faulkner DA, Ireland C, Josse AR, Vidgen E, Trautwein EA, Lapsley KG, Holmes C, Josse RG, Leiter LA, Connelly PW, Singer W. Effect of plant sterols in combination with other cholesterol-lowering foods. Metabolism. 2008 Jan;57(1):130-9.]

Dr. Klatz observes: “The modern era diet is low in plant sterols, intake of which was far greater when societies were more oriented on plant-based diets. This study suggests a protective role for plant sterols in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green leafy vegetables and nuts (raw or dry roasted) are good sources of plant sterols.”

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