There exists growing evidence suggesting that blueberries, rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other health-promoting phytochemicals, can reduce the risk of many prevalent conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, visual decline, and cognitive decline.
In regard to cognition specifically in older individuals, recent studies suggest that moderate blueberry consumption (about 1 cup per day) can yield positive outcomes, including improved executive function and memory. Implementing simple nutritional measures can provide potentially profound impacts on wellness as we age, as evidenced by these studies.
It has also been shown that incorporating this delicious fruit in the diet may have blood pressure-lowering effects. Further, the low glycemic load of blueberries as compared to other fruits make it a lovely choice, especially for those with diabetes and other blood sugar imbalances. These achievable measures of preventing and combating disease can hold immense value in a world largely reliant on pharmaceutical interventions.
References
- Kalt W, Cassidy A, Howard LR, Krikorian R, Stull AJ, Tremblay F, et al. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. Adv Nutr. 2019:1-14. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz065.
- Miller MG, Hamilton DA, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B. Dietary blueberry improves cognition among older adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(3):1169-1180. doi:10.1007/s00394-017-1400-8.
- Whyte AR, Cheng N, Fromentin E, Williams CM. A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Low Dose Enhanced Wild Blueberry Powder and Wild Blueberry Extract (ThinkBlue™) in Maintenance of Episodic and Working Memory in Older Adults. Nutrients. 2018;10(6):1-14. doi:10.3390/nu10060660.