• 40 postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-hypertension were given 22 g of freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder or a placebo powder daily for 8 weeks.
• Blood biomarkers were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks to measure oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant defense levels.
• The study was a randomized, parallel-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

• Oxidative stress: Imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body.
• Inflammation: The body's response to injury or infection, often causing redness, swelling, and pain.
• Antioxidant defense: The body's ability to counteract the damaging effects of oxidation in tissues.
• Biomarkers: Measurable indicators of biological processes or conditions.
• DNA damage: Harm to the DNA structure that can lead to mutations or diseases.

Blueberry Consumption and Health Biomarkers

• Daily consumption of blueberries for 4 weeks resulted in lower levels of oxidative DNA damage biomarkers in postmenopausal women with hypertension.
• Blueberry consumption did not significantly affect other biomarkers related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant defense.

Future Research Recommendations

• The study suggests the need for further research to evaluate the cellular and vascular effects of blueberry consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation, and antioxidant defense in this specific population.