Blueberries to ward off obesity?

Blueberries inhibit the development of fat cells, research has indicated, meaning they could be utilised to lessen obesity, potentially making people less likely to depend on home care.

Shiwani Moghe, of Texas Woman's University, investigated whether blueberries affect a process known as adipocyte differentiation, which affects fat storage in the body.

Moghe explained that the aim was to see whether blueberry polyphenols could inhibit obesity at a molecular stage.

It was found that the highest dose of blueberry polyphenols showed a 73 per cent reduction in lipids, with the lowest causing a 27 per cent decrease.

"We still need to test this dose in humans, to make sure there are no adverse effects, and to see if the doses are as effective. This is a burgeoning area of research. Determining the best dose for humans will be important," she said.

Blueberries are thought to have many health benefits, with research from the University of Manchester suggesting that many debilitating illnesses including Parkinson's disease can be staved off through the consumption of blueberries.

Find the nearest Barchester care home