Does Eating Blueberries Improve IQ?
Edited and Published by Wellness Monster Stacie
An Introduction to the Blueberry
Everyone has heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what about other fruits, vegetables and berries? What do they do for the human body? Blueberries have a reputation of being a superfood. Many experts do not put much stock in that term; however the berries do have some very effective components, especially when it comes to the brain. These berries are easy to find, whether in the local grocery store, health store or simply in the back yard. There is no shortage of blueberries.
Blueberries are already known to be heavy in antioxidants. They join the fight in battling an overabundance of free radicals in the body. Aside from that, they also pack a huge punch in terms of brain health. A handful of blueberries everyday will slow down memory impairments and motor coordination that come with age (medicaldaily.com). Regardless of how they are consumed, a person can’t go wrong by eating them. If the berries are eaten fresh from the blueberry bush, frozen, canned or as an extract they will provide a healthy kick towards multiple brain functions.
The berries help to protect the brain neurons linked to memory. They contain anthocyanin, which acts as the defender of those neurons (foxnews.com). Anthocyanin does more than just add color to the berry. They are in the family of flavonoid and help with overall human health maintenance. They never act alone, but are still very powerful (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
The older a person gets, the slower the brain functions. Whether it is memory loss or simple concentration, blueberries can help a great deal. And for being so small, these berries provide a huge improvement on both memory and concentration. By drinking a glass of blueberry juice each day, individuals between the ages of 65 to 77 can even lower their risk of dementia. The flavonoids in blueberries are thought to be the primary factor for this improvement.
What are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are found in nearly all fruits and vegetables. Essentially, they are what give these plants their color. They also are incredibly powerful antioxidants providing anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits (livescience.com). Other foods containing flavonoids include: onions, tea, strawberries, kale, grapes, brussel sprouts, citrus fruit, parsley and many spices. Anyone consuming these foods are feeding their brain and bodies some very powerful and healthy foods. Flavonoids are also found in cancer preventative food, as well as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Mental Diseases, Memory and Intelligence
Another benefit to eating blueberries is the possible prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that affects thought, memory and language. Those who are showing signs of Alzheimer’s may benefit by drinking blueberry juice regularly, or any other type of blueberry consumption each day. Though they may not fully prevent the disease, they may see improvements in speech, memory and increased brain activity. By seeing these improvements, it may just be enough to encourage the individual battling the disease to not give up!
By improving memory health, blueberries are in a real sense improving intelligence. As a person ages, not only does their body show signs of aging, so does their brain. Eating a well-balanced diet is nearly always recommended for every human being. But a diet that includes blueberries will specifically benefit the brain. The blueberries encourage the birth and growth of brain cells within the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for memory; therefore eating blueberries helps the brain battle memory loss. There is much to be said for being able to remember simple things, as well as remembering more complicated concepts. And confidence in one’s self can be life changing.
Depression and The Rest of the Body
Those that battle depression may also find an ally in blueberry consumption. This is because blueberries have been known to improve happiness. By eating blueberries, the genetic and biochemical drivers behind depression and suicidal tendencies are reduced. Those that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may find relief from this food the most. Blueberries can increase serotonin in the brain, offering relief to those people with PTSD (medicaldaily.com).
If these factors aren’t enough to encourage someone to add blueberries to their diet, consider the health benefits to the rest of the body. Some health benefits of blueberries include: lowering blood pressure, heart disease prevention, anti-diabetic effects, fighting against urinary tract infections and reduction of muscle damage from strenuous exercise. They have also been known to help protect cholesterol in the blood. Whether it is brain health or overall body health, blueberries are an exceptional tool to have in any health toolbox arsenal (or healthy diet!).
Conclusion: Blueberries Improve Intelligence and Provide Other Benefits
Overall, blueberries are a healthy option for improving concentration, keeping the body healthy, and combating memory loss or other health concerns. The blueberry is not only a superfood, but also a powerful ally in the defense against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By drinking a glass of blueberry juice once a day [or eating a cup of berries each day], one is contributing to a life full of happiness and health.
Live Science [https://www.livescience.com/52524-flavonoids.html]