Blueberries are nutritious berries full of health-beneficial plant chemical compounds. Recent studies associate daily blueberry consumption with better brain function.
A study led by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Reading found that Eating a daily handful of wild blueberries can lead to lower blood pressure, quicker reaction time, and better memory and brain cognition.
A controlled trial was conducted in 61 healthy elderly people aged 65 to 80 years. In the 12-week study, participants received 26 g of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder (equivalent to 178 g fresh weight), or an equivalent placebo.
Less risk of cardiovascular disease and memory improvement
Compared with placebo consumption, cranberry powder consumers reported reduced ambulatory systolic blood pressure, improved immediate recall on the auditory verbal learning task, along with improved accuracy on a task-switching task after the treatment.
According to the study report, this suggests that blueberry polyphenols may reduce future risk of cardiovascular disease in an older population and may improve episodic memory processes and executive functioning in older adults at risk for cognitive decline.
The benefit of blueberries is associated with its polyphenols
Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, substances with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, they provide fiber and are a source of several vitamins and minerals, mainly vitamin C. They also provide vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese.
The benefit of blueberries is associated with its polyphenol content. “We think that the blue pigments in blueberries, anthocyanins, which are a type of polyphenol also found in other foods such as strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and purple vegetables, are behind these effects,” said Dr. Ana Rodríguez-Mateos, from the Department of Nutrition Sciences.
The researchers point out that It is clear from this study that the consumption of wild blueberries is beneficial for cognitive function as well as vascular health.
“This is consistent with what we already know about the health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods. It points to an important role for polyphenols in healthy aging,” said Professor Claire Williams, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Reading.
Keep reading:
–7 foods that help keep the brain young for longer
–The Harvard diet can help you live longer
–How to follow the MIND diet to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s
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