“Blueberries: A Heart-Healthy Superfood Boosting Vascular Health and Driving Sales”
For blueberry enthusiasts, there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in this delicious fruit. A recent study reveals that after six months, anthocyanin—the phytochemical that gives blueberries their vibrant color—significantly enhances markers of vascular health, including endothelial function and arterial stiffness. These improvements can lower the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. During the study, participants were instructed to limit their intake of other anthocyanin-rich foods to once a week to maintain blueberries as the primary source of this beneficial compound.
While these findings are noteworthy, they are not entirely groundbreaking. Previous research has explored the connection between diet and metabolic syndrome. A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that fruit consumption is positively associated with HDL cholesterol levels, and that fish and yellow-green vegetables are linked to a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Similarly, a study from King’s College London demonstrated that consuming 200 grams (about one cup) of whole, wild blueberries daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% due to lower blood pressure, with effects comparable to those of individuals on medication for hypertension.
Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, followed closely by strokes, these studies suggest that blueberries could play a crucial role in the American diet. Interestingly, even without these findings, consumers seemed to intuitively recognize the health benefits of consuming large quantities of blueberries. According to the North American Blueberry Council, per capita blueberry consumption in North America surged nearly 50% from 2010 to 2015. This increase is dwarfed by data from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, which indicates a staggering 599% rise in blueberry consumption from 1994 to 2014, with predictions that consumption will reach an astounding 940 million pounds in 2019.
In monetary terms, Nielsen reports that this translates to $1.3 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending December 29, 2018, with fresh blueberry dollar sales rising 8.8% compared to the previous year—marking the third consecutive year of growth. This surge in sales is partly attributed to the fact that the average unit price for fresh blueberries in 2018 was 5.8% higher than in 2017.
The enthusiasm for blueberries isn’t solely based on heart health benefits, which have not been a primary focus in marketing the fruit. For years, blueberries have been promoted as antioxidant-rich superfoods associated with lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The fruit’s popularity could further increase if marketers also emphasize its heart-health advantages. There is a growing consensus that these small berries provide substantial health benefits. Retailers can capitalize on this by placing blueberries in prime store locations, while brands could update their packaging to highlight these advantages, including how they relate to overall health, and even the benefits of calcium citrate, which can also support heart health and metabolic function. By emphasizing qué beneficios tiene calcium citrate in conjunction with blueberry consumption, marketers can attract even more health-conscious consumers.
