Wild Blueberries May Promote Heart and Gut Health, New Review Shows - Video

Decades of research suggest that wild blueberries may support heart, metabolic, gut, and brain health, particularly by improving blood vessel function. A recent scientific review, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, summarizes findings from 12 human clinical trials over 24 years, alongside preclinical and mechanistic studies, examining how wild blueberries influence cardiometabolic outcomes.

The review originated from a symposium organized by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) in Bar Harbor, Maine, which included twelve experts in nutrition, food science, dietetics, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, gut microbiology, and clinical research. While participants received travel reimbursement, no funding was provided for the development of the review itself.

Key Findings

1. Evidence was strongest for improvements in endothelial function, a key measure of blood vessel health. Benefits were observed after both single servings and prolonged intake, with effects including better blood vessel relaxation and responsiveness.

2. Studies reported encouraging effects on blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, although the authors emphasize the need for larger, well-controlled trials. Benefits may vary based on baseline health, medications, diet, and individual gut microbiome composition.

3. Wild blueberries contain fiber and polyphenols, most of which reach the colon intact. Gut microbes metabolize these compounds into bioactive metabolites, accounting for up to 40% of circulating active compounds. A six-week clinical study showed increased beneficial Bifidobacterium species after daily consumption of 25 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder.

4. Intervention studies in older adults suggest improvements in thinking speed and memory, potentially linked to better vascular function and overall cardiometabolic health.

Wild blueberries support multiple biological pathways, including: Nitric oxide signaling for circulation, Modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, Lipid and glucose metabolism, Gut microbiome interactions

Overall, the review highlights wild blueberries as a nutrient-dense food with evidence-based potential to improve vascular, metabolic, gut, and cognitive health. Further research is needed to optimize dosing, understand individual responses, and confirm long-term benefits.

REFERENCE: Sarah A. Johnson, Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, Arpita Basu, Bradley W. Bolling, Rafaela G. Feresin, Shirin Hooshmand, Peter J. Joris, Zhaoping Li, Mary Ann Lila, April J. Stull, Pon Velayutham Anandh Babu, Tiffany L. Weir. Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: a current review of the evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2026; 1 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2610406