Multiple studies have found that blueberries confer health benefits in animals and humans.28-30
For instance, insulin sensitivity significantly improved in insulin resistant men and women consuming 2 smoothies per day with blueberry extract for 6 weeks, compared to similar smoothies without blueberry extract.28 The dose was equivalent to 2 cups of fresh blueberries per day (300 grams or 10½ ounces).
Another study on patients with metabolic syndrome found a neutral effect on blood sugar, and significantly reduced blood pressure (-5%) and other heart disease risk factors compared to placebo.29 The dose was equivalent to 350 grams of fresh blueberries per day (12½ ounces or 2.4 cups).
A supplement, Blueberin, made mostly from blueberry leaves, reduced fasting blood sugar by 27% in type 2 diabetics, while reducing inflammation and improving liver health, whereas placebo did not reduce blood sugar.30
For those who don’t want the carbohydrate in blueberries, it’s possible to buy a blueberry extract from a health food store or on www.iHerb.com
- Stull AJ, Cash KC, Johnson WD, Champagne CM, Cefalu WT. Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. J Nutr. Oct;140(10):1764-1768.
- Basu A, Du M, Leyva MJ, et al. Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr. Sep;140(9):1582-1587.
- Abidov M, Ramazanov A, Jimenez Del Rio M, Chkhikvishvili I. Effect of Blueberin on fasting glucose, C-reactive protein and plasma aminotransferases, in female volunteers with diabetes type 2: double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study. Georgian Med News. Dec 2006(141):66-72.