Increased blueberry consumption may reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

This is because the fruit is a high source of antioxidants, or nutrients that remove free radicals from the body. And free radicals can lead to several health complications, including cardiovascular problems.

Over the course of 20 weeks, researchers observed the effects of a blueberry-enriched diet on mice with atherosclerotic lesions. The team then compared these animals with a control group, which also suffered from the same artery damage.

As a result of eating the blueberry diet, lesions on two aortic arteries were 39 and 58 percent smaller than those found on the same arteries of the control group. The researchers also found that both groups of mice had an apolipoprotein-E deficiency, which is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

The investigators concluded that these findings may contribute to developing future treatments for atherosclerosis. Also, the team hopes that blueberry consumption may be used during trials specializing in artery health among newborns, adolescents and teenagers.

In addition to eating blueberries, a study conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine found that consuming brown rice can improve cardiovascular health.