Blueberry Concentrate Improves Brain Function in Older People

Drinking concentrated blueberry juice improves brain function in older people, according to research by the University of Exeter in in Devon, England.

Blueberry. Image credit: ChristianSW/Wikimedia Commons (GFDL)

In the study, healthy people aged 65-77 who drank concentrated blueberry juice every day showed improvements in cognitive function, blood flow to the brain and activation of the brain while carrying out cognitive tests.

There was also evidence suggesting improvement in working memory.

Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Our cognitive function tends to decline as we get older, but previous research has shown that cognitive function is better preserved in healthy older adults with a diet rich in plant-based foods.

Dr Joanna Bowtell, head of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter, said: "In this study we have shown that with just 12 weeks of consuming 30ml of concentrated blueberry juice every day, brain blood flow, brain activation and some aspects of working memory were improved in this group of healthy older adults."

Previous research has shown that risk of dementia is reduced by higher fruit and vegetable intake, and cognitive function is better preserved in healthy older adults with a diet rich in plant-based foods.

Flavonoids, which are abundant in plants, are likely to be an important component in causing these effects. (Tasnim News Agency)

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