American Heart Month-Berries for Healthy Heart & Lungs

February is known as American Heart Month, so let’s celebrate and explore the foods that support a healthy heart and, of course in this CF community, your healthy lungs!

Everyone loves berries! There are so many varieties- strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries- and their beautiful colors and sweet flavors make them appealing even to the little ones!

That’s good news because eating berries is one of the healthiest things you can do for your heart and your lungs. Here’s why:

Berries are full of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants. The most powerful antioxidants found in berries are called anthocyanins. These plant compounds are responsible for giving berries their beautiful vibrant colors, and they provide the anti-inflammatory benefits which are so important to lung and heart health. Many types of berries have been shown to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and oxidative damage to lungs and arteries. Those are some pretty powerful benefits!

One study showed that dietary intake of anthocyanins is associated with slower decline in lung function among the general population! * Although this has not been studied specifically in connection with CF, it cannot hurt, and may actually be the most delicious way to support your lung function.

According to the study, just 2 servings of blueberries a week slowed lung function decline by 38%. So go ahead and enjoy adding berries to your routine more often.

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4733262/