By Stephen Daniells,
Extracts from bilberry may prevent the build up of plaques in the arteries, preventing hardening of the blood vessels and boosting overall heart health, says a new study from France.
A fermented bilberry extract out-performed a standard extract, leasing the French researchers to suggest that yeast fermentation produces new bioactive compounds with heart health effects.
Researchers led by Aurelie Mauray from France’s Institut National de la Research Agronomique (INRA – UMR1019, Centre de Recherche de Clermont Ferrand/Theix) used apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice, putting the animals at an increased risk of heart disease. Apolipoprotein-E (Apo-E) is essential for the normal breakdown of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein constituents. Read more…