1. ITV Report

Blueberries could be better for us than we thought, says university

The University of East Anglia has launched a trial looking at the health benefits of blueberries. Photo: ITV News Anglia.

A team of researchers at the University of East Anglia in Norwich is beginning a trial to prove that blueberries are even better for us than we thought.

Nutritionists at the UEA Medical School have been awarded grants to examine how blueberries may be good at reducing the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Dr Peter Curtis, from the UEA, said: "When we compare all the things in our diet and lifestyle that can affect our health, the intake of fruits in particular seems to be very good at reducing our risk of heart disease and developing type two diabetes.

"Blueberries are a fantastic source of anthocyanins, which is a compound we find in pigmented or dark skinned berries and we think there's a lot of evidence now to suggest that these can provide benefits."

The university needs 144 people to take part in a six month trial during which time they will be fed blueberries.

Participants need to be aged between 50 and 75, generally healthy but overweight and with no history of heart and blood pressure problems.
