Blueberry Power
As soon as the summer months start to peak I also know it’s time for some fresh blueberries. I can’t think of many other foods which are as tantalizing as blueberries.
Anytime a fruit or vegetable exhibits strong colors usually this is a strong indication of high antioxidant concentration. Antioxidants in a simple definition are a group of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that act to fight free radicals or the body’s bad guys which create pain, inflammation and disease. According to the USDA Center For Aging, blueberries have the highest antioxidant score of the top 25 fruits consumed in North America.
The antioxidant activity is concentrated in the blue skins of the blueberries. In the skin is a phytochemical called anthocyanin, this chemical helps to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.
In a recent study done by Tufts University, research has shown that the antioxidants in blueberries can reverse age related declines in brain function. Also at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Robert Krikorian found in studies that elderly people with memory loss given blueberry juice twice a day (up to 12 oz. for 12 weeks) showed improvement in memory, recall and other aspects of cognition.
I think mental decline is certainly one of the biggest fears of any human being, but with news of blueberry protection we may see some light at the end of the tunnel for those associated with mental decline.