The latest buzz about Berries and brain health …

Developing Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia is a very real concern for older adults.

The potential loss of dignity, identity, and independence is a frightening thought. There is good news on the nutrition front, however. Berries may provide protection against Alzheimer’s disease, as well as age-related memory loss, and other types of cognitive decline.

According to recent research at Tufts University in  Medford, Massachusetts …

It is the flavonoids found in berries that may reverse the normal cognitive changes and memory problems that accompany the aging process. Flavonoids take part in multiple cellular processes, depending on the type of flavonoid. They are responsible for many aspects of our brain function. Researcher Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, PhD, studies the effect of nutrition on the brain at UCLA. He explains that flavonoids play important roles in repairing damage in the brain. They do this by influencing how neurons “talk” to each other and by increasing levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce damage to cells in the brain.

Flavonoids boost the brain’s ability to form new neurons, prevent brain cells from dying …

They also enhance what researchers call “synaptic plasticity”, or the ability of neurons to form and reform connections with each another. These processes – particularly synaptic plasticity – are thought to be the bases for learning, memory, and for cognition in general.

There is also some evidence that flavonoids can stave off not only cognitive decline, but also brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. This may be because the compounds protect against oxidative damage by hydrogen peroxide, which has been linked to the beta-amyloid plaques that characterize Alzheimer’s.

Not all berries are created equal …

So in my next Berry post, I will explain why I prefer Acai berries and maqui berries, more than other commonly praised berries, such as blueberries – even though they are potently healthy.

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In the meantime, here’s an antioxidant-rich, easy breakfast ‘Berry Smoothie’ recipe, that I’ve been enjoying, in-between my morning green smoothies:

 

Berry Cocktail Smoothie

Serving size: makes 2 smoothies
Time to make: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1-2 cups fresh mixed berries / or frozen berries
2 frozen bananas skin removed and chopped
1 handful of fresh mint leaves
2 limes – juice and flesh
2 cups of filtered water / or coconut water
2 teaspoons maqui berry powder / or acai berry powder
1 tablespoon sacha inchi protein powder
1 tablespoon lucuma powder / or yacon powder

Method

1. Place banana, mint leaves, lime juice and flesh in the blender with some of the water and blitz till well processed.
2. Add the berries, maqui berry powder, sacha inchi and lucuma with the remaining water.
3. Blitz to a smooth texture.
4. Pour into glasses and enjoy.

 

* Notes:

The limes and mint add a very fresh twist to this delicious berry smoothie.