Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Categories
Subscribe to the Magazine for free
Subscribe for free to keep reading! If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Berries: The Superfoods Linked to Longer Life

by 
 
Medically reviewed by 
Dr.
Jeannie Achuff
 
ND
Berries: The Superfoods Linked to Longer Life

If you love the sweet and tart flavors of berries, there's a lesser-known advantage to your preference that goes beyond their taste. Berries are not just delicious; they're a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits

Scientists discovered that eating berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries, could help you live longer. This study examined how these fruits, full of flavonoids, benefit our health. Flavonoids are substances in berries that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting us from various health problems.

The research suggests including berries as a regular part of your diet. They're not just tasty but also important for your health, offering impactful benefits in a simple package.

[signup]

Berries and Mortality: What the Study Found

The study examined a broad swath of the American adult population, analyzing data from 37,232 individuals to estimate berry and flavonoid intake based on 24-hour food recalls. By tracking mortality outcomes over an eight-year follow-up period, the research team was able to draw significant conclusions about the impact of berry consumption on longevity.

The findings are striking: individuals who regularly consumed any type of berry had a 21% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who didn't consume these fruits. Specifically, strawberry consumers show a 14% reduction in all-cause mortality risk, while blueberry lovers enjoyed a 21% lower risk. Cranberry consumers topped the charts with an impressive 31% decrease in mortality risk.

But there's more to the story. The study delves deeper, examining the specific types of flavonoids—those natural compounds celebrated for their antioxidant powers—and their association with health benefits. A higher intake of flavonoids, anthocyanidins (primarily found in the deep blues and purples of berries), and other flavonoid subclasses is directly linked to reduced mortality risks. The benefits are compounded with each additional serving, pointing towards a dose-response connection between these substances and a healthier life.

The essence of this research is in correlating the regular consumption of berries, known for their rich flavonoid content, with decreased mortality risks. The findings are as sweet as the fruits themselves: indulging in berries could significantly lower the risk of premature death. 

Cardiometabolic and Respiratory Health: A Closer Look

The benefits of berry consumption extend into specific causes of mortality as well. Berry eaters exhibited a 25% lower risk of dying from cardiometabolic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Cranberry consumers, in particular, saw their risk nearly halved. Regarding respiratory disease mortality, those who enjoyed blueberries demonstrated a 59% lower risk than non-consumers. These findings support earlier studies that confirmed an inverse relationship between the consumption of flavonoids and the risk of cardiovascular disease; the higher the intake of flavonoids, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

A Call to Action: Boost Berry Intake for Better Health

Despite the compelling evidence favoring berries, it's noteworthy that not many adults include them as a regular part of their diet. This gap highlights an opportunity for individuals and public health initiatives to advocate for increased berry consumption. Integrating more berries and flavonoid-rich foods into our daily meals could be a simple yet impactful way to increase our lifespan and improve our health.

In conclusion, this study provides robust evidence supporting the health-promoting properties of berries and their flavonoids. As delicious as they are beneficial, berries are a simple yet potentially powerful addition to the diet, promising a burst of flavor and perhaps a longer, healthier life.

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Regular consumption of berries is associated with a substantial decrease in the risk of dying from any cause, with specific reductions noted for consumers of strawberries (14%), blueberries (21%), and cranberries (31%).
  • A higher intake of flavonoids, particularly anthocyanidins found in berries, is linked to a dose-response relationship with decreased mortality, underscoring the antioxidant powers of flavonoids.
  • Berries are shown to significantly lower the risk of dying from cardiometabolic diseases, with cranberry consumption nearly halving this risk. 
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement or making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Learn More
No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

No items found.

1. Cloyd, Jaime . “The Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle: From Diet to Mindfulness.” Rupa Health, 13 Nov. 2023, www.rupahealth.com/post/the-anti-inflammatory-lifestyle-from-diet-to-mindfulness.

2. Creedon, K. (2022, February 15). 6 lifestyle factors that affect longevity. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-longevity

3. Golovinskaia, Oksana, and Chin-Kun Wang. “Review of Functional and Pharmacological Activities of Berries.” Molecules, vol. 26, no. 13, 1 Jan. 2021, p. 3904, www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/13/3904, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26133904.

4. Majee, Chandana, et al. “An Insight into the Hepatoprotective Activity and Structure-Activity Relationships of Flavonoids.” Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 23, no. 2, Feb. 2023, pp. 131–149, https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557522666220602141142.

5. Sweetnich, Jerrica. “Top 5 Antioxidants That Can Improve Your Health and How to Test Your Patient’s Levels.” Rupa Health, 30 June 2023, www.rupahealth.com/post/top-5-antioxidants-to-improve-your-health.

6. Wang, Xia, et al. “Flavonoid Intake and Risk of CVD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 111, no. 1, 16 Aug. 2013, pp. 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1017/s000711451300278x.

7. Zhang, L., Muscat, J. E., Chinchilli, V. M., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Al-Shaar, L., & Richie, J. P. (2024). Consumption of Berries and Flavonoids in Relation to Mortality in NHANES, 1999-2014. The Journal of Nutrition, S0022-3166(24)00021X. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.01.002

Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.