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Blueberry Smoothies Boost Brain Power
'Super food' can increase powers of concentration, ward off dementia
By Jason Farago
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Posted Sep 11, 09 3:41 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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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.