If you’re not already incorporating blueberries into your diet on a regular basis, their brain health-boosting benefits may motivate you to start.
Blueberries = Brain Berries
Oxidative stress has been shown to quicken the aging process of your brain, negatively affecting brain function. The antioxidants in blueberries have been found to slow memory impairments and motor coordination that are typically associated with this aging process.
In a recent study, scientists found healthy older adults who consumed concentrated blueberry juice every day had a significant increase in brain activity, blood flow and even memory compared to the placebo group after just a few weeks.
The antioxidants, particularly the flavonoids, in blueberries have also been shown to promote these effects, as well as offer other brain health benefits including:
- Lowering dementia risk
- Reducing effects of Alzheimer’s
- Preventing age-related memory loss
- Boosting brain cells
- Increasing concentration and focus
- Improving mental health
Blueberries are also low in calories and sugar. Ounce for ounce, blueberries have about one third the calories of other fruits such as bananas, with about 20 percent less sugar. They’re also very rich in fiber and they’re loaded with water, which makes them hydrating, as well.
Be a healthier you. Schedule an appointment with a dietitian to learn how.
Fresh or Frozen?
When it comes to the debate between choosing fresh or frozen blueberries, the answer is… BOTH!
Whether consumed fresh, frozen, canned or as an extract, blueberries offer countless health benefits. In fact, frozen blueberries – especially when they’re frozen at the point of harvest – are just as nutritious as fresh blueberries. Just be sure to check the labels closely, and make sure there’s no added sugar.
Words of Wisdom
Tip No. 1: To save on costs, buy fresh blueberries when they’re in season, when the price is low. You can then freeze them to enjoy later.
Tip No. 2: Blend blueberries into smoothies, add them to Greek yogurt, use them in our gluten-free cobbler, or simply enjoy them fresh, straight out of the bag.
Blueberries won’t necessarily solve cognition problems or make us instantly smarter. That said, every little bit (and berry) helps.
Before making any significant changes to your diet, talk to your healthcare provider or registered dietician.
