Can Blueberries Improve Memory?

Here are some situations most of us can relate to: blanking on an acquaintance’s name, forgetting where we set down our keys, or standing in the kitchen wondering what we went in there for in the first place.

Don’t panic. Forgetting things is  a natural part of aging.  It often begins in our 20s and gets noticeably worse as we get older. Put simply, we’re not as quick as we used to be when it comes to remembering things.

But there may be a simple way to help clear out some of the cobwebs — stock up on blueberries.

Blueberries have been shown to improve memory. In fact, this SuperFood is often called “brain berries” because it appears to have a significant impact on the improvement of learning and cognitive function, including decision making and reasoning skills. A study conducted at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center demonstrated the effect of wild blueberry juice on older adults with memory lapses. After 12 weeks, the participants showed improved memory function.

The University of Cincinnati researchers noted: “To our knowledge, this is the first human trial assessing the potential benefit of blueberry supplementation on neurocognitive function in older adults with increased risk for dementia.”

How Blueberries Improve Memory

Blueberries are more than just a sweet fruit, they are one of the most powerful SuperFoods on the market. They contain strong antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals in the brain, and are also packed with phytonutrients such as anthocyanins and polyphenols — and  phytonutrients have been shown to increase the efficiency of how our body’s cells communicate.

While blueberries may not be a miracle cure to stop or prevent memory loss, by assisting our brain cells, they can actually help slow degenerative diseases that are related to aging.