Metabolic Syndrome and Berries

There are not many of us out there that don't enjoy some fresh blueberries, especially in the form of a muffin, which is probably not the best route of consumption, but still quite tasty!  There are several fruits out there that have been given the term "superfood" for their ability to replenish and support health, and blueberries are one of them.  Various fruits such as blueberries, bilberries and Noni Fruit contain potent antioxidants, including  polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins which give the fruits their vibrant color.  All of these chemical constituents helps to protect us against free radical damage in one form or another.

Blueberry extracts have been shown to not only provide protection against free radicals but have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels as well as lipid or triglycerides, not to mention anti-cancer properties.  In one study, a blue berry rich diet improved outcome in rats with experimental myocardial infarction by 22% with a noted unchanged size in the myocardial infarct as compared to a control.  This improvement in cardiovascular health was likely attributed to an improved function of the mitochondria possibly due to antioxidant effects and free radical reduction (Ahmet, 2009).  Blueberry anthocyanin intake was also associated with reduced incidence of Type II diabetes (Wedick, 2012). 

Metabolic syndrome is quite common in today's society not only in people but in horses as well.  This condition, to the best of my knowledge, has not been diagnosed in companion pets, but is likely present.  Metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance and increased fat levels in the blood stream (hyperlipidemia).  Blueberry extracts have been sho to reduce triglycerides, fasting insulin and glucose values.  A diet high in blueberries have also been shown to reduce abdominal fat mass and improve fat (adipose) tissue metabolism which results in a reduced body weight and overall fat mass.

Another potential 'superfood' is the Noni Fruit, which has been used in various cultures for centuries for its healing properites.  Noni has demonstrated marked liver protective abilities as well as the ability to lower blood sugar levels in rats (Nayak, 2011).  It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels (Mandukhail, 2010).

When considering the level of free radical damage that we are all incurring on a daily basis as a result of diet, environmental influences, lifestyle factors as well as genetics; protection of the body becomes a necessity. What better way to protect the body than through what nature has provided?  The syndromes are all the same, whether if we are talking about you or I, our pets or our equine companions.  Research has demonstrated what is occurring at a cellular level, now all we have to do is put the wheels in motion.  Become informed and be your own health advocate!

All our best,

Tom Schell, D.V.M.