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Blueberries Improve MemoryMemory loss with aging is a common and serious problem. Blueberries improve memory and work to defend the brain from aging. A study done at the University of Reading and the Peninsula Medical School in the Southwest of England researched this topic. 
The results were great for those of us who love blueberries anyway. Researchers found that Blueberries are effective at reversing age-related problems with memory.Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. Two of these antioxidants, anthocyanins and flavanols, improve learning and memory. They do this by crossing the blood brain barrier after they are eaten. This means that they are able to directly affect the functioning of the learning and memory parts of the brain. They do this by improving brain cell connectivity that is already there. This improved connectivity improves cellular communications and stimulates neuronal regeneration. The research team found that these particular antioxidants found in blueberries directly affect the hippocampus (the part of the brain that controls learning and memory). One of the researchers, Dr. Whiteman, stated that, "This study not only adds science to the claim that eating blueberries are good for you, it also provides support to a diet-based approach that could potentially be used to increase memory capacity and performance in the future." More studies are being done to research the direct effect of the flaonoids (anthocyanin and flavonos) on those people who are suffering from cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease." More information about the studies can be found at the University of Reading site. I am very excited to see this current research which was released to the public on April 10, 2008 and look forward to the future studies. It seems that the more blueberries are studies, more benefits are found.
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