Berries prevent memory loss & improve cognition

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Consuming a variety of berries can prevent memory loss and improve cognition

Sunday, March 25, 2012 by:

http://www.naturalnews.com/035351_berries_memory_loss_cognition.html#ixzz1qFSp4y\

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(NaturalNews) Cognitive decline, the unnatural loss of memory and ability to

think clearly as we age is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions. Poor

diet and lifestyle choices have taken a toll after we subject our body to

years and decades of abuse from sugar, hydrogenated fats, pollution and lack

of physical activity. Eventually the brain succumbs to the continual

assault, as the chemical and electrical connections that define our

personality and very being are eroded and amyloid protein tangles that are

normally cleared begin to snuff out our identity.

Researchers have postulated for years that fruits such as strawberries,

blueberries and blackberries provide support for an aging brain, and new

research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

explains how a variety of berry fruits have beneficial effects on the brain

and may help prevent age-related memory loss and other changes. Including

one to two servings each day of these delicious fruits may just help restore

optimal memory function and prevent cognitive decline.

Researchers have long postulated that berry fruits have a beneficial effect

on the brain, and set to analyze the strength of the evidence as they

extensively reviewed cellular, animal and human studies on the topic. Lead

research authority, Dr. Barbara Shukitt-Hale of the USDA Agricultural

Research Service at Tufts University indicated that berries possess

" neuro-available, neuro-active phytochemicals that offer antioxidant,

anti-inflammatory and direct effects on the brain. "

Berries boost brain health by providing potent antioxidant support

The research team performed an extensive analysis of prior studies that

reviewed cellular, animal and human bodies of work to judge the evidence for

potential benefits afforded by berry consumption in older adults. The review

revealed that eating a wide variety of different colored berries can boost

brain health by helping multiple metabolic systems in the body.

The scientists determined that berry fruits contain very high levels of

antioxidants that protect the delicate brain structure from the damaging

oxidative effects of free radicals. The brain is among the most

metabolically active organs in the body and generates large quantities of

free radicals as a result. Our natural capacity to produce antioxidants is

quickly overcome and berries provide a critical supply to maintain healthy

cellular function.

Further, researchers found that berry fruits alter the way neurons

communicate through a sophisticated array of chemical transmitters and

electrical signals. Berry consumption affects changes in brain signaling to

inhibit inflammation contributing to neuronal damage. This action results in

improvements to both motor control and levels of cognition, memory and

thought.

The research team concluded " berry fruits mediate signaling pathways

involved in inflammation and cell survival in addition to enhancing

neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and calcium buffering, all of which lead

to attenuation of age and pathology-related deficits in behavior. " Each

variety of berry is packed with a wide assortment of potent phytonutrients,

all with independent action on the aging brain. Be sure to eat several

servings of berries daily, including many different colors to improve brain

health, memory and cognition.

Sources for this article include:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf2036033

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307145825.htm

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/acs-sse030712.php

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/242661.php