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Protect and Improve Brain Function with BlueberriesBlueberries help improve brain function and protect the brain from oxidative damage and age-related loss of function such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Research was done to test the ability of blueberries in helping with cognitive ability. Cognitive ability is the ability to use simple to complex information to meet the challenges of daily living. The brain is made up of billions of neurons that work together through chemical neurotransmitters that talk to each other through neural pathways. 
If these neurons are not able to effectively communicate with each other, brain function declines. Agricultural Research Service neuroscientist James Joseph has been quoted as stating, "Loss of mental agility may be less due to loss of brain cells than to the cells' failure to communicate effectively." Blueberries contain an excellent mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect this vital brain function. Researchers tested this on aging rats and found that there was significant improvement in the learning capacity and in the motor skills of aging rats. This change made them mentally comparable to much younger rats. Protection From Damage After a Stroke Researchers found that the nutrients in blueberries and spinach can protect the brain from damage after a stroke. They did their research by separating rats into four groups. The first group was given normal "chow." The second group was given chow supplemented with blueberries. The third group was given chow supplemented with spinach. The last group was given chow with spirulina. After a month, scientists induced strokes on the rats. The damage to the brain was much smaller for the supplemented rats. In fact, these rats had half the damage of the other rats. The type of stroke studied was an ischemic stroke. This type of stroke occurs when blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. This cuts of the supply of oxygen to the brain resulting in brain cell damage or cell death. When the clot is cleared, there is a rush of oxygenated blood back into the cells. There is also a rush of free radicals. Antioxidants fight the free radicals and work to prevent the damage they would cause. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and many other nutrients which protect cell function and improve brain function. Return from Improve Brain Function to Health Benefits of Blueberries
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