So at least you have an amount, but good luck finding freeze-dried blueberry powder. Living in Michigan I buy extra pints of blueberries in summer and freeze for the rest of the year, have about 12 pints in the freezer right now. Hope real blueberries are just as good
Blueberries May Help Fight Alzheimer’s
Blueberries, a popular fruit, already classified as a “superfruit” for its health benefits, could now also help fight dementia, new research suggests.
Blueberries may help fight Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study conducted by University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center in Ohio.
The study was conducted by the team from the Universityof Cincinnati Academic Health Center in Ohio. Lead author Robert Krikorian said:
"Our new findings corroborate those of previous animal studies and preliminary human studies, adding further support to the notion that blueberries can have a real benefit in improving memory and cognitive function in some older adults.”
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A type of flavonoid known as anthocyanins, found in blueberries are not only responsible for its purple and blue color but, they also contribute to its numerous health benefits. Besides anthocyanins, an assorted variety of phenolic compounds can be found in blueberries. The compounds – quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol and chlorogenic acid contribute to the antioxidant capacity thereby increasing the health benefits of the superfood.
First Study Reveals Blueberries May Help Fight Alzheimer’s
One study involved 47 adults aged 68 and older, who had mild cognitive impairment, a risk condition for Alzheimer’s disease. They were given freeze-dried blueberry powder, which is equivalent to a cup of berries, or a placebo powder once a day for 16 weeks.
Dr. Krikorian reported:
"There was improvement in cognitive performance and brainfunction in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo.
"The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts."
MRI scans conducted on the participants showed increased brain activity in those who ingested the blueberry powder, suggesting the superfoods may help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
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Dr Krikorian said blueberries' beneficial effects could be due to flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve cognition in animals.
A Bigger Study Reveals Same Results
A second study involved 94 people aged 62 to 80 who did not have measurable cognitive decline but reported experiencing memory loss. They were given either blueberry powder, fish oil (containing omega-3 fatty acids believed to prevent Alzheimer's), a combination of fish oil and blueberry powder, or a placebo.
"The results were not as robust as with the first study," said Dr. Krikorian.
"Cognition was somewhat better for those with powder or fish oil separately, but there was little improvement with memory."
fMRI results for participants given blueberry powder were found to be less significant than those observed in the first study.
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Dr Krikorian says that the difference may be because the participants had less severe issues when they entered the research.
He said the two studies provide a basis for future research from which they hope to ascertain whether or not blueberries could shield against the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. While promising, the less robust results of the second study indicate that more research will be necessary.
At present, the researchers plan to conduct a study involving participants aged 50-65, including a number of people considered to be at risk of developing Alzheimer's - people who are obese, suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypercholesterolemia (high levels of cholesterol).
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