There’s no doubt that blueberries are a super fruit that are packed with good-for-you nutrients and vitamins – not to mention the antioxidants – but recent research has shown that there may be a link between blueberries and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s affects 5.3 million people, including nearly 50 percent of all residents of nursing homes. It’s also the leading cause of dementia in America. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, only medications that can slow the deterioration of the brain but not stop it completely.
Some recent research, however, suggests that we may be able to take steps to prevent this disease from affecting us in the future by adding blueberries into our diet. A study that was done during a period of 12 weeks in 2010 showed that daily consumption of wild blueberry juice actually improved memory function in older adults.
In part one of a more recent study conducted at University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, 47 adults were tested. The study focused on people ages 68 and older who had slight cognitive impairments, often considered to be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
The researchers gave half of the group blueberry powder (equivalent to one cup of blueberries) once a day for 16 weeks. The other half was given a placebo. After 16 weeks, the cognitive performance in the group that was taking the real blueberry powder had improved. The researchers also took functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRIs, of the group taking the real powder, and noted increased brain activity.
Researchers aren’t exactly sure why blueberries have had such a positive effect on their patients, but they think it has something to do with a specific type of antioxidants that are found in the fruit known as anthocyanins. These anthocyanins not only help provide the deep color of blueberries, but also serve as a potent antioxidant, helping the body repair tissue damage caused by free radicals – which we are exposed to everyday from the sun – as well as the environment and our food.
So, whether you are at risk for Alzheimer’s or not, toss a few extra blueberries in your oatmeal tomorrow morning – your future self will thank you! For more great information on blueberries, check out our Health Benefits page or contact us today.
