Benefits of consumer-made fruit smoothies
In a groundbreaking development, scientists in France have created a berry fruit juice blend that could potentially lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research, led by the team at the University of Strasbourg, was carried out in collaboration with the Eckes-Granini Group of Nieder-Olm.
The fruit drink mix, which consists of a base of grape juice (63%), blended with apple, blueberry, strawberry, lingonberry, acerola, and aronia, has shown a significant increase in vasodilation compared to other blends. This abnormality in the function of releasing vasodilators is often observed in most types of cardiovascular disease.
However, it's important to note that this particular fruit combination does not have the highest overall polyphenol level. Polyphenols, found in foods such as red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea, are known to correlate with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The specific polyphenols responsible for the increased vasodilation observed in the most effective fruit blend remain undetermined.
Dr. med. Carsten Olf and Dr. med. Annette Giering, who worked on the project, suggest that the increased vasodilation could be due to a synergistic effect of the combined polyphenols. Cristina Andres-Lacueva, an expert in polyphenol bioactivity at the University of Barcelona, Spain, notes that the polyphenol profile of each blend was not tested and could differ from that of the component fruits.
While the research provides an exciting insight, further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term benefits to the cardiovascular system of regularly consuming this fruit juice blend. Clinical in vivo studies with animals or humans could be the next step, according to Andres-Lacueva.
Professor Schini-Kerth, a nutrition expert, advises that most juices sold in supermarkets have a very low level of biological activity. Buying fruit juices that provide something extra, such as this new berry fruit juice blend, is an important message for consumers. However, the benefit to the cardiovascular system of a regular intake of such a fruit juice over a long period of time remains to be determined.
It's worth mentioning that different fruits contain different polyphenols, which can be bitter tasting. The team ensured that the most effective berry fruit juice blend, with the least bitter flavor, was developed.
This promising new berry fruit juice blend could be a significant step forward in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Stay tuned for further updates as the research continues.
