(16-01-11) Blueberries and grape seed extract shown to rejuvenate the aging brain

by John Phillip, citizen journalist



(NaturalNews) Cognitive decline is unnatural. Millions of aging adults
consider an impaired capacity to think, reason and form new memories as the
inevitable course of declining health. By accepting brain aging as normal, we
condemn our senior years and live in constant fear of whether we will remember
our family and friends or retain our personal identity. Loss of cognition as we
age is not normal. There is no programmed switch that diminishes our ability to
reason and remember events, names and faces. The brain is susceptible to many
of the damaging effects of inflammation, free radicals and insulin resistance
that lead to chronic illness. Blueberries and grape seed extract show great
potential in the fight against brain aging and cognitive decline.

Blueberries are a Powerful Brain Antioxidant
The human brain performs millions of electrical and chemically mediated
actions every second and generates a large number of free radicals in the
process that can damage normal neuronal function. Any natural agent that can
neutralize the effect of free radicals will provide necessary protection and
prevent brain aging.

Anthocyanins and flavanols are natural protective compounds found in high
concentration in blueberries and are known to be able to cross the critical
blood-brain barrier and influence brain function. The result of research
published in the journal Nutrition shows that dietary supplementation with
blueberries for as little as 30 days can slow and even reverse the decline in
mental function associated with age. The study authors concluded "this
illustrates a surprisingly prompt and powerful effect of an antioxidant dietary
intervention."

Blueberries Enhance Critical Neuronal Communications
Researchers know that blueberries and other members of the purple berry family
are linked with lowered incidence of age-related dementia and Alzheimer`s
disease. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, prior
studies have shown that the active compounds in berries exert their effects on
learning and memory by enhancing existing neuronal connections, thus improving
cellular communications and stimulating neuronal regeneration.

Grape Seed Extract Can Rebuild Brain Cell Networks
Grape seed extract is a significant source of naturally occurring phenolic
compounds that are known to bolster the structural integrity of brain cells and
brain cell networks. The results of a study published in the journal
Phytotherapy Research documents the ability of grape seed extract to stimulate
the production of new brain cells. Researchers were able to show that compounds
in grape seed extract activated genes that controlled cellular rejuvenation.
Additionally, grape seed extract strengthened existing brain cell connections
in the memory control center of the brain (hippocampus).

Loss of memory and the ability to learn and form thoughts are functions that
should not be lost as we age. Cognitive decline can be prevented by eating a
diet void of processed foods, sugars and damaging hydrogenated fats. Eat a cup
of wild blueberries each day and supplement with grape seed extract to provide
critical antioxidant support and prevent the assault from free radical damage.

Article References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

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