How do maqui berries support heart health?
Maqui berries support heart health in several ways:
- Antioxidant Protection: Maqui berries are rich in anthocyanins, particularly delphinidin, which provide powerful antioxidant effects. These antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels.
- Cholesterol Management: Studies have shown that maqui berry extract can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. In a three-month clinical study, participants taking 180 mg of Delphinol (a concentrated maqui berry supplement) daily experienced an average 12.5% reduction in LDL cholesterol.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: Diets high in anthocyanins, which are abundant in maqui berries, have been associated with a 12% reduced risk of high blood pressure.
- Reduced Heart Attack Risk: The Nurses Health Study found that diets highest in anthocyanins were associated with a 32% reduced risk of heart attacks compared to diets lowest in these antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Maqui berries demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help combat conditions associated with heart disease.
- LDL Oxidation Prevention: The antioxidants in maqui berries, particularly anthocyanins, help reduce cholesterol oxidation, which is linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Improved Blood Vessel Function: Maqui berry extract has shown potential to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, which may contribute to better overall cardiovascular health.
These heart-healthy benefits make maqui berries a valuable addition to a heart-conscious diet, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through multiple mechanisms.
