The power of berries against cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a serious threat to human health and incidence is increasing gradually. Nutrition has an important impact on the prophylaxis and progression of CVD. In this article, general attention is drawn to the possible positive effects of berries on CVD. Polyphenols have beneficial effects on the vascular system by inhibiting low-density lipoprotein oxidation and platelet aggregation, lowering blood pressure, improving endothelial dysfunction, and attenuating antioxidant defense and inflammatory responses. This review provides an overview of the effects of berries for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Berries contain several cardioprotective antioxidants, vitamins, and numerous phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, that have antioxidant properties and antiplatelet activity. Phytochemical compounds in their structures can modulate dissimilar signaling pathways related to cell survival, differentiation, and growth. Important health benefits of berries include their antioxidant roles and anti-inflammatory impacts on vascular function. The effectiveness and potential of polyphenols primarily depend on the amount of bioavailability and intake. Although circulating berry metabolites can improve vascular function, their biological activities, mechanisms of action, and in vivo interactions are still unknown. Analyzing human studies or experimental studies to evaluate the bioactivity of metabolites individually and together is essential to understanding the mechanisms by which these metabolites affect vascular function.