The health benefits of berry flavonoids for menopausal women: Cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognition

Abstract

There is an increasing amount of research into the health benefits of berry flavonoids. Moreover, the consumption of flavonoid-rich food is on the increase; with women in particular showing a interest in eating a diet which may benefit their long-term health. The aim of this review was to examine the evidence for the benefits of berry flavonoids for cardiovascular health, cancer and cognition in the menopausal woman. Due to the limited amount of clinical data on this subject both in vitro and animal as well as human studies have been included.

These data appear to support epidemiological studies that suggest cardiovascular benefits, cancer prevention and cognitive improvement from berry flavonoid consumption. However to date, it is not possible to be definitive about the specific berry type, preparation or regime which confers maximum benefits, or to give specific advice to menopausal women. Limited data from a combination of pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that the addition of berry flavonoids to the diet has moderate effects on cardiovascular function in subjects at risk and potential preventative effects in oesophageal cancer. Evidence for cognitive benefits is limited to animal data but shows promise.

Introduction

The World Health Organisation states that a recommended daily intake of 400 g of fruit and vegetables may provide protection against disease including cardiovascular disease and cancer [1]. Data shows average consumption of fruit and vegetables (excluding potatoes) in the UK is increasing: 346 g in 2007 compared to 325 g in 2004–2005 [2]. In general, fruit consumption is on the rise in the UK, with 2007 data showing a 9.7% increase in total fruit consumption (fresh, processed and fruit juice products) compared with 2004–2005 data. The health benefits of berry fruits have had a high profile in the public domain in recent years. It was reported at the Global Berry Congress that the market value of berries was £76.5m in the UK (2008) and that sales have nearly doubled in the past 7 years [3]. UK data suggests for women who are high consumers of fruit and vegetables, the most motivating factors were the health and natural content of the food [4].

There is a growing and impressive evidence base for the health benefits of berry flavonoids. The main focus of the berry polyphenolic research is cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and cognitive decline. The aim of this review is to examine the available evidence applicable to the menopausal women.

Berry fruits contain many important dietary components: vitamins, minerals, folate and fibre; but it is their polyphenolic content to which their biological action is most often attributed [5]. It is thought that these effects are synergistic as opposed to being due to one constituent alone. The profile of berry phenolics includes flavonoids (flavanols, flavonols and anthocyanins), phenolic acids and tannins [Table 1]. Whilst the majority of the research has been carried out on flavonoids and in particular the anthocyanins, there is increasing interest in the tannins as well. Berry flavonoids are best known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action but research has shown that their action extends to impacting on cell signalling mechanisms [5]. Whilst these effects were initially confirmed with in vitro studies, there has been increasing amounts of animal and clinical research.