Blueberry the star ingredient for better blood circulation

Blueberry, also called bilberry, is rich in vitamin C, but also provides iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. It has a record amount of flavonoids (polyphenols) with thinning, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Besides other phenolic components, the fruits contain a high concentration of anthocyanins, which anti-oxidative effects exceed by far those of vitamins C and E.

Poor Microcirculation can have negative effects such as disgracious spider veins on the legs but also some unexpected ones not so visible to the eye, for instance heavy legs or hair loss due to reduced irrigation of the scalp capillaries.

How does blueberry improve and stimulate Blood circulation?

Reducing oxidation and inflammation in the blood vessels

Phenolic compounds in blueberries help to reduce oxidation of blood lipids, the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation of the vascular system (1). A controlled double-blind study against placebo,[2] involving 60 patients with chronic venous insufficiency, showed significant improvement in symptoms after 30 days of treatment with a Blueberry extract (3).

In the case of hair growth, blueberry strengthens scalp capillaries by protecting them against oxidation and improves the contractile functions of vessels thereby improving the supply of nutrients to the hair bulb (root).
By fighting microcirculation problems, blueberry stimulates the vitality of the hair bulb, promotes regrowth and hair growth. Associated with other plants, it also helps to fight against the harmful effect of free radicals.

Supporting blood vessels with anthocyanins

Part of the polyphenols family, anthocyanins are the colored water-soluble pigments that give their dark red, purple or blue color to fruits and vegetables. They have promote venous return and strengthen capillaries by protecting them from oxidation (4), improve the contractile functions of the vessels and reduce inflammation.

Numerous clinical and epidemiological studies have been published on the relationship between the consumption of blueberries and a reduced risk of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. They indicate that consumption of flavonoids reduces the risk of loss of elasticity of arteries including those of the legs (arteriosclerosis). 

Anthocyanosides in the blueberry strengthens capillaries by protecting them from oxidation (4), improves the contractile functions of the vessels, reduces inflammation and stimulates the regeneration of the sticks arranged on the retina.

For the record: RAF pilots during the Second World War, ate large amounts of blueberries before night flights to increase their visual acuity (5).

Laboratoires Activa uses blueberry extracts in its natural supplements formulations such as Activa Well Being Circulation, Blood pressure, Hair and Human Structure Glucidotonic, to encourage and support blood circulation by reducing oxidation and stimulating microcirculation.

We’ve selected a range of supplements:

• Made of 100% natural active ingredients
• Completely bioavailable and biocompatible
• In “Controlled release” microgranules form to ensure prolonged effectiveness and targeted action in the body

Sources:
[1] Gatta L., « Experimental single-blind study: 60 pts with venous insufficiency received bilberry extract equivalent to 173 mg anthocyanins daily of placebo for 30 days », Fitoterapia, 1988, 115:109-116.
[2] [1] Anderson ML1. A! preliminary investigation of the enzymatic inhibition of 5alpha-reduction and growth of prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCap-FGC by natural astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto lipid extract in vitro. J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(1):17-26
[3] USDA. USDA database for the flavonoid content of selected foods. 2003.
[4] Kay CD, Holub BJ. The effect of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) consumption on postprandial serum antioxidant status in human subjects
[5] Pizzorno JE Jr, Murray Michael T (Ed). Textbook of Natural Medicine, Churchill Livingstone, États-Unis, 1999. p. 994.

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