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Blueberry Smoothies Boost Brain Power

'Super food' can increase powers of concentration, ward off dementia

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 11, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – A blueberry smoothie in the morning is good for your brain in the afternoon—and in the long run, according to new research. Scientists at a British university found that one blueberry smoothie increased powers of concentration by as much as 20% in a single day. Consumption of blueberries can also help to ward off dementia. Chemicals in the fruit called flavonoids expand blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the brain and decreasing blood pressure.

Blueberries already have a reputation for being "the super food of super foods," reports the Telegraph. The fruit has been shown to lower incidences of heart disease and cancer, and it can help slow the aging process. But blueberries and other flavonoid-rich foods, including chocolate and spinach, are now also believed to restructure parts of the brain, helping to prevent memory loss. "They have the potential in the long term to lead to cognitive improvement," said the lead researcher in the latest study.

Test subjects who consumed a blueberry smoothie performed better than average on tests of memory and concentration. (©Dale Gillard)

Blueberries and other foods rich in flavonoids can help stave off dementia, researchers say. (©Ross Catrow)

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Monkeys keep their gray matter throughout their lives

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But they're still not sure about the 'why' part

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Stress hormones alter brain cells, aiding in memory storage

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food • memory • dementia • brain • flavonoids • fruit and vegetables

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Only Human Brains Shrink

Monkeys keep their gray matter throughout their lives

Why We Can't Remember Being 2

Researchers investigate the science of early memories

Scientists Show How We Remember Dreams

But they're still not sure about the 'why' part

Stressed Out? You'll Learn Better

Stress hormones alter brain cells, aiding in memory storage

Pesticide Patrol: The Dozen Worst Fruits and Veggies

Soft, thin skin more susceptible to chemicals

About Us

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Newser By Users

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