Berries For Your Brain!

The evidence cropping up that supports the health benefits of whole plant-based foods is abundant and fresh or frozen berries should be one that is added to the diet mix. The antioxidant content of these tiny fruits is very high and studies seem to support their potent effect on brain function. This is good news for all of us and individuals with neurologic disorders may stand to benefit significantly from the standpoint of moderating decline due to their condition.

A study conducted at Tufts University by psychologist Barbara Shukitt-Hale, PhD and colleagues, provided evidence that berries may increase dopamine levels. Three groups of rats were fed different diets, chow with blueberry extract, chow with strawberry extract and one with chow alone. The two groups with berry extract were measured with higher brain dopamine levels and better memory than the group without any berry added to their diet. While the exact comparative quantity of these fruits in human consumption was not determined, any addition of this to our diets would provide antioxidants that would counter the effects of the oxidizing compounds in our environment and prevent the build up of free-radicals which degrade cell membranes. In addition to the neutralizing effect of these antioxidants, berries may support a natural housekeeping function in the brain that declines with age. This function, called autophagy, removes and recycles biochemical debris that can contribute to poor brain function. A study done at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service identified that berry extracts inhibit the activity of a protein that essentially shuts down this process. So we now know that the effect of these little berries are 2-fold.

It seems it would take little convincing for most people to add this tasty food to their diet, but just in case, we have included a couple of recipes to get you started. And of course, you can add this to your morning oatmeal, yogurt or enjoy as a daily snack.

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