Women who eat three or more servings of berries weekly may reduce their risk of heart attack by up to 33 percent, even after accounting for other healthy aspects of their diet. That’s the finding of a new study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The study attributed the women’s reduced risk to anthocyanins, natural flavonoid compounds found in the skins of many berries. Wild blueberries contain higher levels of anthocyanins, which are concentrated in the wild berries’ deep blue pigments, than many other berries.

“Our ability to identify specific compounds in foods has increased in the last 10 years, making this kind of research possible,” said study co-author Eric Rimm, of Harvard’s School of Public Health. “And in multiple studies examining the impact of various flavonoid compounds on heart disease, stroke and blood pressure, we’re discovering that anthocyanins are the compound that shows the most promise.”

Anthocyanins are believed to dilate arteries, counter the buildup of plaque and provide other cardiovascular benefits.

“Increasing our intake of anthocyanin-rich berries is a smart move that has significant potential health benefits beyond this great news about the potential for significant reduction in heart attack risk for women,” said Susan Davis, MS, RD, nutrition advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. “And wild blueberries are leaders in the amount of anthocyanins they contain.”

Wild Blueberry Smoothie

  • 6 ounces wild blueberries, fresh or frozen
  • 6 ounces vanilla, blueberry or plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (if plain yogurt is used)
  • ½ cup ice (3 ice cubes)
  • Blend well at high speed. Serve immediately.

Smoothie serves 2.

The Wild Blueberry Association of North America is a trade association of growers and processors of wild blueberries from Maine and Canada. For news, recipes and related health information about wild blueberries, visit wildblueberries.com, wildblueberryhealthblog.com, facebook.com/wildblueberries and twitter.com/WildBBerries4U.