A new study shows strawberries and blueberries can help women fight heart disease. Harvard researchers followed about 100,000 women for nearly 20 years and found those who ate several servings of blueberries and strawberries every week lowered their chances of a heart attack 32-percent.
Blueberries and strawberries have high levels of a natural compound called flavonoids, which can also be found in grapes and wine, eggplant and other fruits and vegetables.
It's believed the compounds help dilate the arteries and reduce inflammation in the arteries, therefore reducing heart attack rates.
The researchers say that blueberries and strawberries were part of this study because they are the most eaten berries in the United States. So, it's possible that other foods could have the same effect.
Blueberries and strawberries have high levels of a natural compound called flavonoids, which can also be found in grapes and wine, eggplant and other fruits and vegetables.
It's believed the compounds help dilate the arteries and reduce inflammation in the arteries, therefore reducing heart attack rates.
The researchers say that blueberries and strawberries were part of this study because they are the most eaten berries in the United States. So, it's possible that other foods could have the same effect.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.