The benefits of blueberries don’t stop at heart health. These little berries pack a powerful punch when it comes to brain health, too.
In fact, research has shown that blueberries can improve memory, reverse age-related declines in motor skills, and protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Here’s a look at some of the ways these berries keep our minds sharp.
The Role of Blueberries Anthocyanins
Blueberries get their color from anthocyanins—a type of flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity. When it comes to brain health, anthocyanins are thought to be responsible for blueberries’ ability to improve cognitive function and protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.
Researchers’ Findings
In one study, 45 healthy adults between the ages of 60 and 75 were given either a placebo or a supplement containing blueberry extract for 16 weeks.
At the end of the study, those who had taken the blueberry supplement performed significantly better on tests measuring cognitive function and working memory than those who had taken the placebo.
The researchers attributed these effects to the high concentration of anthocyanins in blueberry extract.
In another study, rats that were fed a diet supplemented with blueberry powder for 12 weeks showed improved motor skills and demonstrated less decline in brain function than rats that did not receive the supplement.
The rats that received blueberry powder also had less inflammation in the hippocampus—an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory—and reduced levels of oxidative stress.
Brain-Boosting Benefits of Blueberries
These little berries are big powerhouses when it comes to protecting and promoting brain health. Thanks to their high concentration of anthocyanins — a type of flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity.
Blueberries are thought to be responsible for improving cognitive function, reducing inflammation in the hippocampus, and reversing age-related declines in motor skills.
Boost Brainpower with Blueberries Smoothie
So if you’re looking for a delicious way to boost your brainpower, add some blueberries to your shopping list!
Here’s a delicious way to fire up your brain cells on days when your to-do list demands extra focus: Toss blueberries into a smoothie.
Researchers in the European Journal of Nutrition report that middle-aged folks who ate 1 cup of the berries performed better on memory and reaction-time tests. And the participants made fewer mental errors up to 4 hours after eating.
The researchers credit berries’ flavonoids, compounds that nourish brain cells after just one serving, for the benefit.
Tip: Frozen blueberries deliver they same key nutrients.
Excerpt Source: First for Women, p. 22, 3/15/21
