Blueberries and Heart Health
Grabbing a boost of blue is a nutritious, heart-smart choice. That’s right: blueberries are Heart-Check certified through the American Heart Association® Heart-Check Food Certification Program! You can feel good about eating blueberries as a heart-healthy snack or ingredient in your favorite recipes.
The Importance of Maintaining Heart Health
Nutritious blueberries are a smart, simple choice you can make every day – and those daily choices add up! Maintaining an overall healthy dietary pattern and lifestyle is the best way to help fight heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
We all need to be aware of heart disease, a major health concern in the U.S. today. It refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease (the most common), which decreases blood flow to the heart and can cause heart attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites heart disease as the leading cause of death among both men and women today.i
In February, during American Heart Month, we have a valuable opportunity to refocus on heart health and develop healthy habits to practice throughout the year. That includes grabbing a heart-smart boost of blue, of course! Our quick quiz will match you with a heart-healthy blueberry recipe tailored to your preferences.
Are Blueberries Heart-Healthy?
That’s easy – yes! In fact, blueberries are Heart-Check certified through the American Heart Association® Heart-Check Food Certification Program. Each serving (a handful or cup) of blueberries is a good source of fiber, which helps support heart health and digestive health. And, when you grab a boost of blue, you also get other essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients like anthocyanins, the plant compounds that give blueberries their vibrant color.
Research on Blueberries and Heart Health
A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates that blueberries can be part of eating patterns to improve heart health, especially as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
