Berries - good for your brain?

A study on rats, published in the Journal of Neuroscience (Sep 15, 1999, Joseph JA et al.) suggests that foods rich in antioxidant phytochemicals such as blueberries, strawberries and spinach may slow age related cognitive decline. The exciting finding from this study is the potential to reverse some age-related impairments in both memory and motor coordination within a relatively short period of time, especially with blueberries.

Antioxidant rich foods may act to protect the body (in this case the brain and nerves) against damage from oxidative stress. When cells use oxygen to produce energy, free radicals are produced. In small amounts, these help to rid the body of harmful toxins. However, if free radicals are produced in larger more toxic amounts (due to smoking,alcohol excess, pollution, stress, UV exposure etc) they damage cells, resulting in tissue damage, inflammation and cell death.

In the rat study, 3 groups of rats were fed either bluberry, strawberry or spinach extracts for 8 weeks. The fourth control group did not receive a supplement. The rats receiving blueberries came out on top in tests of balance and coordination. On tests of working memory, all 3 groups receiving supplements outperformed the control group. The 2 groups given blueberries or strawberries showed the most compelling evidence of protection against oxidative stress in their brains. Studies on humans are currently underway.

Last Updated: Feb 2004