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Blueberries Could be Key to Cardiovascular Health for Post-Menopausal Women

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Florida State researchers are saying a cup of blueberries a day could keep the doctor away. 

According to new research, just one cup of the fruit per day could be the key to reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women.

Those are both conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.

Their findings show the regular consumption of blueberries could potentially delay the progression of pre-hypertension and hypertension amongst post-menopausal women. 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US. 

Sarah A. Johnson, assistant director of the Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging (CAENRA) and postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at Florida State University says this development is important. 

"Once women go through menopause, this puts them at an even greater risk for it. Our findings suggest that the addition of a single food, blueberries, to the diet may mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects that often occur as a result of menopause."

Their work is found in the journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.