Blueberries For Brain Function

We all already know that blueberries are very good for you! They are full of antioxidants, fiber, essential vitamins and nutrients, and they taste delicious!

What I did NOT know is that blueberries may also improve brain activity! As if I needed any more reasons to love them! Well a few studies were done to show just that!

One double-blind study from the University of Exeter in England tested 26 healthy subjects ranging between the ages of 65 and 77. For 12 weeks, 12 of the subjects drank 30 mL of concentrated blueberry juice once a day, while the other 14 drank a placebo. [1]​

Before and after the experiment, all subjects were given a series of cognitive tests while their brain activity was monitored by an MRI.  

Results demonstrated that, those who drank the concentrated blueberry juice has a serious rise in their brain function, while those who did not consume the berry, did not. [1]

A study from Duke University, ran a similar experiment and tested 37 subjects which came out with very similar results. [2]

As well as being great for the older population, blueberries were shown to increase brain function in children ages 7-10, who were given 15-30g freeze dried blueberry concentrate and asked to perform numerous cognitive tests. [3] 

According to Dr. Joanna Bowtell from Exeter University “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. [4] 

This is believed to be due to the high content of flavonoids of fruit, which are pigments, or the thing that gives the fruit its dark blue, red, or purple color. [1] [4] [5] 

Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which is recognized for its “free-radical scavenging and antioxidant capacities”. It has also been shown to protect DNA from cleavage, boost immune responses by promoting the production of cytokines , strengthen the capillaries, and have strong anti-inflammatory properties. [5] 

PHEW! If that wasn’t a mouthful! 

Blueberries can be very easily incorporated into the diet. They can be eaten as is, drank as a juice in more concentrated form, and taken as a powder or a capsule. 

I am very excited to have found these studies, since I already love blueberries so much and have a few recipe ideas that I will be trying and sharing with you this summer, starting with my mixed berry acai smoothie bowl.