Aging is a natural process; however, most people would like to slow their rate of decline in the interest of quality of life and longevity.
One food that has come to the attention of those studying anti aging is blueberries. Study after study has shown that these teeny weenie berries can be your superheroes in the battle against aging.
Blueberries Help Prevent Mental and Cognitive Decline Among Seniors
Studies have shown that when flavonoids found in blueberries are absorbed into the bloodstream they are able to cross the blood brain barrier.
In turn, certain regions of the brain that are responsible for motor and memory functions are positively influenced.
Researchers found that these flavonoids can help boost neural pathways, improve cellular connections and stimulate the process of neural regeneration. These active compounds in blueberries also have brain-protective effects as they help reduce free radical damage, excitoxicity and inflammation.
Regular consumption of blueberries has been linked to a reversal of cognitive and motor decline that are common in aging individuals. Blueberries are a rich source of vitamins E and C which are nutrients that also function as powerful antioxidants.
Blueberries as Memory-Boosters
Research results published by the University of Cincinnati showed that drinking a few cups of blueberry juice every day can give a person’s aging brain a boost by enhancing memory. The study had elders in their 70’s as participants who were given up to 20 ounces of blueberry juice daily for a period of two months.
A control group was only asked to consume non-juice drinks. The results revealed that those study participants who were provided with blueberry juice had significant improvements in their memory and learning abilities as shown in their test results compared with the non-juice group.
Reviewers said that these findings should encourage everyone to drink blueberry juice on a regular basis as it may help forestall if not mitigate the process of neurological degeneration.
Blueberries have “Fat-Finding” Ability
As people age, cholesterol levels can become harder to manage and this is a common issue among adults. Another benefit of blueberries is that they contain pterostilbene which is a compound known to have a “fat-finding” ability.
This statement is based on a study which revealed that pterostilbene compounds found in blueberries possess the ability to bind to PPAR-alpha receptors and trigger a response in the brain which leads to a reduction of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body.
Blueberries Help Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common health problem that aging individuals face. Results from a study conducted by researchers from Oklahoma State University and Florida State University showed that the nutrients found in blueberries can be beneficial in preventing the onset of osteoporosis.
Their findings were that regular consumption of blueberries can help prevent bones from weakening especially after menopause. Experts recommend that blueberries be eaten as a whole fruit rather than just drinking the juice to be able to obtain all its nutrients.
Blueberries for Better Eye Health
The anthocyanins found in blueberries are known for their eye-protective benefits. These anthocyanins play a crucial role in protecting the RPE or Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells against death which usually occurs in aging individuals.
These are only a few of the many findings from studies conducted by experts which continue to prove the benefits of blueberries for preserving eye health and for protecting aged individuals against several ocular diseases.
