Blueberries 'reverse memory loss'

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Blueberries 'reverse memory loss'

Eating blueberries can reverse memory loss and may have implications

in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer's, University of Reading

scientists claim.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7450032.stm

Scientists found adding foods like blueberries to a regular diet,

resulted in improvements in memory.

The foods, known as flavonoids, were historically believed to act as

antioxidants in human bodies.

But the study indicates they also activate the part of the brain which

controls learning and memory.

Dr Spencer, from the department of food biosciences at the

university, said: " Scientists have known of the potential health benefits of

diets rich in fresh fruits for a long time.

" Our research provides scientific evidence to show that blueberries

are good for you and supports the idea that a diet-based approach could

potentially be used to increase memory capacity.

" We will be taking these findings to the next level by investigating

the effects of diets rich in flavonoids on individuals suffering from

cognitive impairment and possibly Alzheimer's disease. "

The research has been published in the Free Radical Biology and

Medicine journal.