High in anthocyanins, blueberries support the health of blood vessels
Varicose veins are caused when the valves in veins that are responsible for preventing blood from 'back-flow' get damaged. Arteries are responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body and veins are responsible for bringing blood back to the heart. In order to get blood from lower parts of your body back up to the heart, valves located in segments within your vessels are utilized. Muscle contractions also pump blood back up through veins.
You'll never regret eating blueberries or working up a sweat - Jacquelyn Mitchard
When the valves within your veins get damaged through oxidation or physical stress, blood begins to pool and the vein stretches, causing them to bulge, stretch or twist.
Risk factors for developing varicose veins include, age (higher), sex (female), pregnancy, family history, obesity, and standing/sitting for long periods of time. Complications include ulcers, blood clots and bleeding. There is no way to prevent varicose veins, but through exercise, weight management, a high-fibre low-salt diet, avoiding high heels/tight hosiery, using compression socks/sleeves, elevating legs, and changing sitting/standing position often may improve muscle tone and reduce the risk of developing them.
Alongside dietary and lifestyle changes, incorporating more blueberries into your diet may reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, along side other conditions. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Antioxidants prevent oxidative cell and tissue damage. Found naturally in a number of foods, anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple, and blue plants their rich colouring. Other foods that contain high concentration of anthocyanins include raspberries, black rice, and black soybeans. These foods are also high in soluble and insoluble fibre, all of which support vein health and many other health conditions.
What does the research have to say?
Although research is very limited, preliminary findings support foods high in anthocyanins as protective against varicose veins, alongside other medical conditions.
Some supplement companies have isolated anthocyanins from various sources or contain high extract amounts of certain fruits known to be high in anthocyanins and sell them as vein, eye, prostate, and more support.
References:
Alcocer, A., Gil Cabello, C., & Cervantes, M. (1972). Anthocyanosides in the symptomatic treatment of varicose veins. Prensa Med Mex, 37(9), 390–393.
Bagchi, D., Sen, C. K., Bagchi, M., & Atalay, M. (2004). Anti-angiogenic, Antioxidant, and Anti-carcinogenic Properties of a Novel Anthocyanin-Rich Berry Extract Formula. Biochemistry (Moscow), 69(1), 75–80. doi: 10.1023/b:biry.0000016355.19999.93
Campbell B. (2006). Varicose veins and their management. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 333(7562), 287–292. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.333.7562.287
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/syc-20350643
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