Blueberries Boost Gut Health and Lower Cholesterol in Older Adults: A Simple Dietary Addition

Research suggests that incorporating blueberries into your diet can positively impact gut microbiome composition and overall health. Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which are known to benefit cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress. A study featured in *Nutrients* explored the effects of daily blueberry consumption on adults over 60 with moderate weight. The study found that regular blueberry intake altered gut bacteria and improved blood markers related to heart health. Participants were given either a blueberry supplement or a placebo, in conjunction with physical exercise. After 12 weeks, the blueberry group experienced reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, along with an increase in beneficial gut bacteria. These findings indicate that blueberries, whether fresh or frozen, can be a simple and accessible way to enhance health. They can be easily added to smoothies or sprinkled on cereal. According to dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, blueberries' antioxidants help diminish oxidative stress, which supports brain health and cognitive clarity. Incorporating blueberries into the diet is a promising approach to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart-related issues with minimal effort.