(02-04-12) Consuming a variety of berries can prevent memory loss and improve cognition

by John Phillip


(NaturalNews) Cognitive decline, the unnatural loss of memory and ability to
think clearly as we age is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions. Poor diet
and lifestyle choices have taken a toll after we subject our body to years and
decades of abuse from sugar, hydrogenated fats, pollution and lack of physical
activity. Eventually the brain succumbs to the continual assault, as the
chemical and electrical connections that define our personality and very being
are eroded and amyloid protein tangles that are normally cleared begin to snuff
out our identity.

Researchers have postulated for years that fruits such as strawberries,
blueberries and blackberries provide support for an aging brain, and new
research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry explains
how a variety of berry fruits have beneficial effects on the brain and may help
prevent age-related memory loss and other changes. Including one to two
servings each day of these delicious fruits may just help restore optimal
memory function and prevent cognitive decline.

Researchers have long postulated that berry fruits have a beneficial effect on
the brain, and set to analyze the strength of the evidence as they extensively
reviewed cellular, animal and human studies on the topic. Lead research
authority, Dr. Barbara Shukitt-Hale of the USDA Agricultural Research Service
at Tufts University indicated that berries possess "neuro-available, neuro-
active phytochemicals that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and direct
effects on the brain."

Berries boost brain health by providing potent antioxidant support
The research team performed an extensive analysis of prior studies that
reviewed cellular, animal and human bodies of work to judge the evidence for
potential benefits afforded by berry consumption in older adults. The review
revealed that eating a wide variety of different colored berries can boost
brain health by helping multiple metabolic systems in the body.

The scientists determined that berry fruits contain very high levels of
antioxidants that protect the delicate brain structure from the damaging
oxidative effects of free radicals. The brain is among the most metabolically
active organs in the body and generates large quantities of free radicals as a
result. Our natural capacity to produce antioxidants is quickly overcome and
berries provide a critical supply to maintain healthy cellular function.

Further, researchers found that berry fruits alter the way neurons communicate
through a sophisticated array of chemical transmitters and electrical signals.
Berry consumption affects changes in brain signaling to inhibit inflammation
contributing to neuronal damage. This action results in improvements to both
motor control and levels of cognition, memory and thought.

The research team concluded "berry fruits mediate signaling pathways involved
in inflammation and cell survival in addition to enhancing neuroplasticity,
neurotransmission, and calcium buffering, all of which lead to attenuation of
age and pathology-related deficits in behavior." Each variety of berry is
packed with a wide assortment of potent phytonutrients, all with independent
action on the aging brain. Be sure to eat several servings of berries daily,
including many different colors to improve brain health, memory and cognition.

Sources for this article include:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf2036033
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307145825.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/acs-sse030712.php
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/242661.php

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