Blueberry Bioactives in Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a special disorder with abnormal lipid levels, excessive body fat, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. It is commonly associated with chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Blueberries are rich in bioactive substances, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These substances have garnered interest for their potential to improve health and manage MetS. Beyond the health benefits, blueberries may offer potential applications in the food industry. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the bioactive components of blueberries and their roles in mitigating various aspects of MetS, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperglycemia, diabetes, hypertension, and CVDs. Future research should focus on exploring the clinical applications of compounds derived from blueberries and their synergistic effects with other therapies to develop more effective approaches for preventing and treating MetS and related conditions.

Keywords: blueberries; flavonoids; metabolic syndrome; polyphenols; resveratrol.