Discover How a Handful of Blueberries a Day Can Boost Your Brain Health
Already known for numerous health benefits, blueberries now have another reason to earn a spot in your diet, according to a new study.
(Photo: shutterstock)Blueberries have been celebrated for their health advantages, including cancer-fighting properties and helping manage insulin levels for diabetics. A recent study reveals that a handful of wild blueberries a day can positively impact brain and heart functions.
In the study, 61 healthy men and women aged 65-80 participated. The research team from the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine at King's College London, UK, asked participants to consume a daily drink made from 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder over 3 months (equivalent to about 178 grams or 75 whole blueberries). Meanwhile, a placebo was given to the control group.
Results indicated that the group consuming the blueberry drink showed improvements in short-term memory, word list memory, and task switching. Additionally, there was noticeable improvement in systolic blood pressure and blood vessels compared to the control group.
Researchers believe the positive effects of blueberries on brain and heart function are due to their blue pigments known as "anthocyanins," which are also found in raspberries, red grapes, purple vegetables, and strawberries.
These are a type of polyphenol that helps enhance cardiovascular and cerebral blood flow.
"There is evidence supporting the health benefits of other foods rich in anthocyanin, and there’s no reason they shouldn't work like blueberries, provided the anthocyanin content is adequate and they are bioavailable," says Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, the principal author of the study.
Related Reading:
