A few weeks back we wrote here about the benefits of dance for brain activity as we age. The article came from a series produced by AARP called Staying Sharp.
The latest in that series deals with blueberries as the new brain food. Already recognized as a great source for lowering risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes, the fruit is starting to be recognized as an effective way to fight off memory loss in older people.
A small study done at the University of Exeter in England showed that concentrated blueberry juice improved brain function in older adults.
But if you really want to achieve the maximum brain benefit from blueberries, most researchers say you should be eating whole blueberries. They say the rich anthocyanin content in whole blueberries, as well as other ingredients, seem to be responsible for the cognitive boost. That’s why it’s recommended to eat whole blueberries fresh or frozen.
Blueberries are not alone in this however. Other berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and huckleberries – are also known to have anthocyanins. So the best recommendation from nutrition exerts is to include a mix of bright berries in your diet.