Mixed fruit juice lowers heart disease risk--study

Scientists from the University of Strasbourg observed that a mix of apple, blueberry, strawberry, lingonberry, acerola and aronia, which are rich in polyphenol, can decrease the chances of having cardiovascular disease.

Polyphenols, believed to have many therapeutic effects, are found in many foods, including alcohol, dark chocolates, and green tea.

The team worked with the Eckes-Granini Group of Neider-Olm, a German fruit drink producer, to develop and test a variety of different fruit juice blends which can serve as healthier alternative to alcohol and chocolate.

Test for most effective and least bitter flavor
The team tried many blends for better flavor and analyzed their effect on the vasodialtion (widening of blood vessels) of pig coronary arteries.

Researchers recorded the content of vitamin C, and total phenolic, sugar and antioxidant activity of all the blends.

Co-author of the study Dr Cyril Auger from the University of Strasbourg said, "Among the various fruits investigated, the most active ones were predominantly berries including cranberry, lingonberry, aronia, blackcurrant and blueberry. These berries are characterised by the presence of high levels of anthocyanins, which are pigments responsible for the blue-red colours of fruits.”

The least bitter flavor juice included grape juice (63 percent), blended with apple, blueberry, strawberry, lingonberry, acerola and aronia. This blend, with a lower polyphenol level, showed a greater increase in vasodilation than other blends.

Qualitative composition is important
Dr. Auger said, "The fact that several berries including raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry and elderberry had little biological activity despite having a high level of polyphenols indicates that the qualitative composition of the polyphenolic content is important for the biological activity."

Valérie Schini-Kerth, team leader at the University of Strasbourg said, “Most of the juices you can buy in a supermarket have a very low level of biological activity. Buying fruit juices that provide something extra is an important message for consumers.”

The authors stated, "Our data indicates that blends of fruit products can be developed to combine a high level of vasorelaxant activity and an enjoyable taste. The possibility that the regular intake of such active fruit juices may improve the endothelial function and hence vascular health still remains to be determined.”

Their finding has been published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal, ‘Food and Function.’