Blueberry Extract
Be Good to Your Brainâ¦eat Blueberries
It seems that blueberries are everywhere. No matter where you look, the good news about blueberries just seems to keep coming out! At times, all of the information about blueberries can seem to be overwhelming. However, if you remember only one thing about this tiny, blue superfruit, it is blueberries are nature’s brain food.
A soon to be published study conducted by the University of Reading and the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England indicates blueberries have a positive effect on reversing memory loss. According to the soon-to-be studies published study, phytochemical-rich foods, including blueberries can have a very positive effect on age-related memory function. The study suggests that blueberries can be effective in reversing memory loss.
During the 12-week research period, the researchers supplemented regular daily diets with blueberries. The positive effects of the improved spatial working memory was witnessed in as little as 3 weeks and continued throughout the remaining of the study.
Blueberries are a major source of antioxidants including flavanols and Anthocyanins. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (52:4026-4037, 2004)
A serving of wild blueberries contains more antioxidants than the majority of other fruits. In addition, this antioxidant packed blue fruit, is packed with vital antioxidants which fight the effects of aging on the brain.
Although the modern science has yet to discover the secret behind why the unique makeup of the naturally occurring antioxidants supports brain function; Mother Nature has provided us with a small glance.
The antioxidants hidden within the blueberry cross into the brain after dietary intake. It seems they enhance neuronal connections, stimulate neuronal regeneration and help with cellular communications. The research was able to show of antioxidants induce memory improvements by the activation of proteins in a specific part of the brain that helps learning and memory.
Where to Find Blueberries
Blueberries are available in a variety of different forms. Fresh blueberries offer a great way to get the natural antioxidant benefits of the blueberry. However, fresh blueberries are very seasonal and are not always available in your local store. However, here are a few suggestions to get the natural benefits of the blueberry:
• Fresh Blueberries: When in season, you can get fresh blueberries straight from a farm market or the produce section of your local store.
• Frozen blueberries: To get your hands on frozen blueberries visit the refrigeration section of your local grocery store. Enjoy a few thawed blueberries in your pancakes or muffins.
• Dried Blueberries: One source for dried blueberries is Traverse Bay Farms www.traversebayfarms.com. They will ship dried blueberries directly to your home or office. The company also offers free shipping on 4 lb quantities of dried blueberries.
In fact, research conducted by researcher Charles M. Mainland, Ph.D., professor of horticulture at North Carolina State University, has shown dried blueberries actually pack an even bigger antioxidant punch than fresh blueberries. According to this research, the dried blueberry has four times more antioxidant content than fresh blueberries.
• Blueberry Extract (Super Fruit Supplements): One source for blueberry capsules is from Fruit Advantage www.fruitadvantage.com. The company even offers free shipping on blueberry capsules. These dietary supplements are made from whole blueberries and deliver highly concentrated amounts of the fruit in an easy-to-swallow capsule without the sugar.
So if you are searching for a natural way to improve your memory, this little blue fruit is packed full of antioxidants and has a impressive history of clinical research and offers great taste.
