USHBC is encouraging consumers to prioritize heart health and nutritious, heart-smart foods like blueberries
FOLSOM, Calif. – February 16, 2024 – The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is making it easier for consumers to prioritize heart health through simple, daily choices like grabbing a boost of blue. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that blueberries can be part of eating patterns to improve heart health, especially as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. USHBC is partnering with the American Heart Association (AHA)® to develop blueberry recipes and resources consumers can use during American Heart Month and throughout the year.
American Heart Month, observed in February, offers a valuable opportunity to refocus on heart health and encourage the development of heart-smart habits. Heart health remains an urgent priority in the United States, where heart disease is consistently a top cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While “heart disease” refers to several different conditions, coronary artery disease is the most common; it decreases blood flow to the heart and can cause heart attacks. About half of people in the United States (47%) have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking, highlighting the potential reach and impact of this pervasive issue.
One of the best ways to help fight heart disease is to maintain an overall healthy dietary pattern and lifestyle, according to the AHA®. Each serving (a handful or cup) of blueberries is a good source of fiber, which helps support heart health and digestive health, and provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Blueberries are certified as heart-healthy through the AHA® Heart-Check Food Certification Program, and for American Heart Month, USHBC and AHA® have teamed up and created five new, Heart-Check certified blueberry recipes, building on the USHBC library of nutritious, delicious ways to grab a boost of blue. Recipe cards will soon be available for health professionals, retailers and industry members to distribute throughout the year to showcase heart-healthy recipe inspiration with blueberries.
“Eating a healthy diet is one of Life’s Essential 8TM, one of the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health according to our partners at the AHA®”, said Leslie Wada, PhD, RD, Senior Director of Nutrition and Health Research at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. “Making smart, simple shifts in a healthy eating plan – like adding nutrient-dense blueberries to meals and snacks – can help people get more of the beneficial vitamins and minerals that support a healthy heart. And, with a boost of blue, the added nutrition comes with crave-worthy flavor.”
USHBC’s February promotion is its first 2024 “power period,” which is part of Grab a Boost of Blue, a strategic positioning and call to action backed by tools and consumer research for retailers. Plug-and-play social posts and digital ads, tip sheets, recipe cards and other resources are available in the Heart Health Month toolkit. Retailers and health professionals also can leverage the Blueberries and Heart Health page on USHBC’s consumer website, which provides blueberry health information and an interactive quiz that reveals Heart-Check certified recipes tailored to each blueberry fan’s preferences.
“Blueberries prove that heart-smart choices can be easy and delicious choices, too,” said Kevin Hamilton, Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. “Our fruitful partnerships with trusted health organizations, like the AHA, help us engage consumers and provide resources to help form healthy eating patterns. It’s so rewarding to help blueberry fans find new, creative ways to enjoy the nutritious benefits and bright flavor that comes with every boost of blue.”
1Heart Disease Facts. (2022, July 15). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.
2Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Beaton AZ, Bittencourt MS, Boehme AK, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022;145:e153–e639.
3The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations.
(2021, November 1). Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture research and promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.