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Blueberries and strawberries slow brain aging
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Blueberries and strawberries, which are rich in flavonoids, slow down the process of cognitive decline in older people, according to scientists from the Brigham and Women's Hospital (United States).
The experts used data from the Nurses' Health Study, which involved 121,700 nurses aged 31 to 55 (at the start of the study). Since 1976, the women filled out questionnaires about their well-being and lifestyle. Since 1980, the study participants reported on their diet every four years. Between 1995 and 2001, with a two-year break, the scientists assessed the cognitive functions of women who were over 70 years old. The average age of the participants in this study was 74 years, and the body mass index (BMI) was 26.
An analysis of the data obtained showed that an abundance of blueberries and strawberries in the diet restrained the deterioration of cognitive abilities in elderly women. Increased consumption of anthocyanidins and flavonoids was also associated with a decrease in cognitive degeneration. The researchers calculated that berry lovers delayed the functional aging of their brains by 2.5 years.
According to the scientists, their work has provided the first epidemiological evidence to the public that berries may slow the progressive decline of cognitive abilities in older women.
It is also worth remembering that blueberries and bilberries can help protect the body from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, as they prevent the deposition of fat cells in the abdominal area and reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood.
Don't forget that:
Strawberries contain such useful nutrients as: sugar (6-9.5%), citric, malic, quinic, salicylic, phosphoric acids, when ripening strawberries, succinic and glycolic acids appear. They contain sufficient amounts of: vitamin C, pectin substances, anthocyanins and flavonoids (quercetin, quercitrin). Strawberries are a low-calorie product - 36.9 kcal per 100 g.
Blueberries are famous for their large amount of vitamin C. Research has shown that blueberries prevent the formation of cancer cells due to their large amount of highly active antioxidants. Blueberries enhance metabolism, increase the elasticity of blood vessel walls, and normalize the functioning of the digestive system and heart muscle. With regular use, blueberries relieve eye strain and help restore vision.
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