Study: Some Fruits Reduce Heart Attack Risk In Women

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Strawberries and blueberries get their colors from a compound called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is what is known as an antioxidant and it reduces inflammation. Essentially it helps prevent plaque from building up in blood vessels and prevent damage to heart cells.

A study of 93,000 women found that those who ate three or more servings of blueberries or strawberries per week were 32% less likely to have a heart attack.

The report is in the journal Circulation and followed the women over 18 years.