These micronutrients enhance the function of endothelial cells, which play a key role in regulating blood pressure.

In a study conducted by the Department of Nutrition at King’s College London, the benefits were already noticeable after just two weeks.

Blueberries get their deep blue color from anthocyanins—a group of pigments in the flavonoid family that gives fruits and vegetables shades ranging from purple to red.

But these compounds do more than just make produce look appealing. They are powerful micronutrients that have been studied for years for their wide-ranging health benefits. And according to recent research, the anthocyanins found in blueberries may help lower blood pressure as effectively as commonly prescribed medications.

The Study: Blueberry Juice vs. a Nutrient-Matched Beverage

The research team at King’s College London studied 40 adults over the course of about a month. Half of the participants drank a beverage containing around 200 grams (about 1 cup) of blueberry juice daily, while the other half received a different drink with the same amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals—but without the blueberry compounds.

Throughout the experiment, researchers collected blood and urine samples from the participants and monitored their blood pressure and the dilation of their major blood vessels—an important marker of cardiovascular risk.