Eat berries to keep the brain young
August 23rd 2010 23:28
Signature Tune
Eating berries can help protect the brain against ageing and ward off memory loss, scientists have discovered
Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries contain high levels of compounds called polyphenolics, which help the brain to carry out essential 'housekeeping' functions.
Eating fruits with deep orange, red or blue pigments can even reverse the loss of brain power, according to a two month study of laboratory rats fed a berry-rich diet.
Shibu Poulose, who presented his research at the American Chemical Society on Monday, said: "The good news is that natural compounds called polyphenolics found in fruits, vegetables and nuts have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect that may protect against age-associated decline."
Polyphenolics in berries help certain cells called microglia, which clean up toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other symptoms of mental decline.
Shibu Poulose, who has conducted research with the U. S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) Human Nutrition Research Centre on Ageing in Boston, explained: "In ageing, microglia fail to do their work, and debris builds up.
"In addition, the microglia become over-activated and actually begin to damage healthy cells in the brain.
"Our research suggests that the polyphenolics in berries have a rescuing effect. They seem to restore the normal housekeeping function. These findings are the first to show these effects of berries."
Poulose said people should eat the whole fruit, which contain hundreds of health-boosting chemicals.
Comment by katyzzz - sounds berry good to me, not new though
| 110 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
I'm gonna have to tell my mum about this - she's always interested in food that do good things for you. I love strawberies which might explain my superior memory and youthful looks
Tell me, how does the signature tune image fit into your articles?
Keep well
Shaun
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art