Anti-Aging Drink: Blueberry Concentrate Helps Seniors Maintain Cognitive Abilities

Blueberries are a favorite fruit among nutritionists and natural healers: in fact, they are considered a real 'superfood.' This berry is not only ideal for snacking and baking, but it's also highly beneficial for health. Blueberries are low in calories but rich in healthy nutrients like potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, and more. They also contain glucokhinine, which helps reduce blood sugar levels, and anthocyanin – the flavonoid in blueberry skins that is effective in preventing inflammatory processes.

Can Blueberry Consumption Halt Brain Aging?

In recent years, researchers have shown particular interest in the high antioxidant content in blueberries, driven by the fruit's high flavonoid levels. Can consumption of blueberries stop brain aging? A study by the University of Exeter set out to explore this question.

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During the study, healthy individuals aged 65 to 77 drank concentrated blueberry juice daily. The experiment lasted 12 weeks, during which participants maintained their regular dietary habits except for a daily 30 ml serving of blueberry juice (or a placebo for the control group).

Results: Adults who consumed blueberry concentrate performed better on cognitive tests, and their working memory improved. MRI scans indicated better blood flow in the brain and increased activity in different brain regions.

Can Drinking Blueberry Concentrate Alone Lower Dementia Risk in Old Age?

Previous research has found that high consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of dementia in old age. In this study, however, participants who regularly consumed high amounts of fruits and vegetables were excluded. The aim was to see if blueberry concentrate alone could provide similar benefits. Even though this is a very preliminary study, the answer seems positive.

More about blueberries - common uses in cooking, click here.

Recipe for Airy Blueberry Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup oil

2 eggs

1 container yogurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and blueberries. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla thoroughly.

Combine the two mixtures, mix well—but gently, to avoid 'breaking' the blueberries.

Line muffin tins with paper liners and fill them with the mixture to 2/3 of the tin's height. Bake in a preheated oven at 160 degrees Celsius for about half an hour. The cupcakes should be very fluffy but remain light in color.