'Superfood'
Nobody really wants to grow old, forgetting good memories from their lifetime.
That is why many scientists keep searching for that magic element to keep those mental functions intact. Some scientists experiment on food supplements made from food extracts while some use actual food in searching for the age-defying benefit they are looking for.
Recently, a group of scientists conducted animal experiments on supplementing the diet with blueberries for a period of one month. They discovered that it can slow or even reverse the decline in mental function associated with age. While it is a given fact that cognitive performance declines naturally with age, the experiment demonstrated improvement in memory scores; this showed a powerful effect of an antioxidant dietary intervention.
In the past, consumption of blueberries was positively associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s owing to its flavonoid content. Although not clearly defined, it is believed that blueberry flavonoids (anthocyanins and flavanols) enhance neuronal connections, improves cellular communications and even stimulates neuronal regenerations.
In an animal study, two months' supplementation of blueberry resulted in maintenance of the improved brain performance; while in the first human study, daily consumption of 500 ml of blueberry juice was associated with improved learning and word list recall and even suggested reduced depressive symptoms among adults with increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The above benefits to brain functions shouldn’t really come as a surprise because blueberries are known to be very rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for normal neurological functions and also contributes to brain cell protection from the damage caused by free radicals. For this reason blueberries are among those tagged as “superfoods” positively associated as a disease fighter. Having a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Score, it is a powerful free-radical destroyer.
Free radicals are charged molecules, that, when combined with oxygen, may attack the body’s cells including that of the brain. Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries protect brain cells from oxidative stress which can exacerbate the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Because of encouraging effects on brain functions, scientists are looking further into greater brain health benefits that blueberries can deliver, such as possibly reversing some degree of memory impairment that has already developed.
Other than being a brain function-enhancer, blueberries, with their other phytonutrients components, are seen to be beneficial for heart, eye and digestive health, as well as cancer prevention. Antioxidants and phytonutrients protect the heart by helping to prevent bad cholesterol (LDL) from being oxidized and form hard plaque on the wall of the arteries. On the other hand, the phytochemical called Phenolic compounds from blueberries inhibit the growth of cancer cells and work to destroy cancer cells in the colon. On gender-based benefits, women who eat more kaempferol-rich foods like blueberries have a 40 percent lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than those with lower intake of kaempferol-rich foods.
Being a source of fiber, it should not come as a surprise that blueberries also improve digestive health. Blueberries offer both soluble and insoluble fiber, that can help alleviate constipation. Moreover, its tannin content helps cleanse the colon and just like cranberries, may also offer protection against urinary tract infection.
Wonder foods are just around waiting to be constantly consumed. Get a bag or bottle of blueberries and keep those memories and brain functions intact and improving. – Article courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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