Blueberry extract helps diabetics

In a 4-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial, researchers gave forty-two women with type 2 diabetes a high potency, standardized Blueberry Extract or a placebo. The supplement was given 3 times a day 15-30 minutes before meals. The Blueberry Extract reduced fasting blood glucose from 143 to 104 with little change in the placebo group. The Blueberry Extract also reduced the blood level of hsCRP; a protein that when elevated in the blood is associated with heart disease and stroke. The Blueberry Extract significantly lowered the level of ALT, AST, and GGT; enzymes that indicate liver damage when elevated. The study is published in the December 2006 issue of Georgian Medical News.

Aronia Berry is good to add the medical therapy in patients who have survived a heart attack

In this study, 44 patients who survived a heart attack were given statin drug therapy for six-months. The patients were randomly chosen to receive a supplement of Aronia Berry 3 times a day for 6 weeks in this placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. The supplement significantly decreased free radical levels and damage to LDL-cholesterol in the patients. Aronia Berry also reduced hsCRP. The Aronia Berry also improved blood pressure levels. The Flavonoid rich Aronia Berry re3duced inflammation, improved antioxidant levels, stabilized LDL-cholesterol and this study shows it can be used clinically to help reduce ischemic heart disease. The study is published in the February 20th, 2007 issue of the journal Atherosclerosis.