Blueberries are fruit rich in antioxidant compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. Owing to these features, blueberries reduce oxidative stress and ameliorate brain inflammation processes occurring during aging.
According to Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA, and co-workers, dietary supplements of blueberries prevent the neuronal dysfunctions that originate from the long-term consumption of a high-fat diet. When compared to mice fed with a low caloric diet, animals receiving a prolonged high-fat diet showed impaired memory capacities, as well as lower learning abilities. These cognitive dysfunctions, however, were prevented when the mice were concomitantly given blueberry powder. These effects may be due to the antioxidant properties of blueberries and their ability to inhibit the inflammation processes elicited by a high-fat diet.
Supplementing a high-fat diet with blueberries may thus limit its detrimental cognitive effects.
- Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Middle-Aged Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet,
Amanda N. Carey, Stacey M. Gomes, Barbara Shukitt-Hale,
J. Agric. Food Chem. 2014.
DOI: 10.1021/jf404565s
Dear sirs, I enjoy Blueberry`s and have also heard that it is good for the liver. But one thing I don`t understand is that after consuming blueberry`s fresh and even in a low fat healthy cookie I have noticed that when I have my bowel movement that some blueberry`s have not been dissolved in any way such as corn. Is their a digestion problem with me or is it indicative in the Blueberry itself. Thank you, Kerry Hunt