Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a perennial plant native to North America. This berry is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, which offer significant health benefits. A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition provides a comprehensive review of the evidence and insights shared at an expert symposium regarding wild blueberries and their link to cardiometabolic health.
Known for their high nutrient content, wild blueberries, or lowbush blueberries, are celebrated for their abundance of anthocyanins and other beneficial compounds.
These polyphenols, contributing to the berries’ vibrant blue hue, have been thoroughly researched for their powerful antioxidant properties.
“Wild blueberries have been valued for centuries,” noted University of Maine professor Dorothy Krimis Zakas, co-lead author of the recent review.
“Traditional wisdom recognizes their significance, and modern research continues to investigate how the unique constituents of wild blueberries contribute to health when part of a balanced diet.”
This review analyzed 12 human clinical trials conducted across four countries and numerous additional studies on the health effects of compounds found in wild blueberries.
The most consistent result from these studies was an improvement in vascular function, indicating better blood vessel responsiveness.
Some trials noted enhanced endothelial function just hours after consuming wild blueberries, while others observed benefits from regular intake over longer periods.
Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of wild blueberries on the gut microbiome.
Thanks to their high fiber and polyphenol content, these berries resist early digestion and are processed by gut bacteria into metabolites that enter the bloodstream.
These metabolites can constitute a significant proportion of bioactive compounds in circulation post-consumption; one study demonstrated that daily intake of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder boosted levels of beneficial bioactive compounds such as Bifidobacterium.
Emerging evidence suggests that consistent blueberry consumption may enhance cognitive abilities, especially thinking speed and memory in older adults, possibly linked to improved circulation and other systemic effects.
For adults at higher cardiometabolic risk, several studies referenced in the review identified meaningful improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, following weeks of regular blueberry intake.
“What’s remarkable about wild blueberries is their wealth of polyphenols and nutrients. Their health benefits appear to stem from multiple mechanisms,” explained Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D., from Florida State University, co-lead author of the review.
“Evidence indicates that these berries may influence various biological pathways related to cardiometabolic health, including vascular function and inflammation, but individual responses may vary.”
“The recent focus on the gut microbiome’s role in health benefits is intriguing and might help researchers understand how to optimize gut health for enhanced wellness.”
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Sarah A. Johnson et al. Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: A current review of the evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, published online January 24, 2026. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2610406
Source: www.sci.news
