Bilberries Sustain a Healthy Aging of the Brain and Improve Cognitive Functions

A very large number of studies has shown the sensational effect of bilberries on brain health. These berries have an amazing taste and the capacity of inducing regression of neuronal deficits and favoring a healthy aging of the brain.

Studies on bilberries

Most studies have associated the consumption of bilberries with the prevention of cancer and heart diseases. Researchers have discovered that these fruits have beneficial effects on the nervous system and can help in preventing cognitive decline through fighting dementia and improving cognitive performance.

Moderate consumption of bilberries has important neurocognitive effects: it improves the memory and it reduces depressive symptoms and the glucose levels.

A study conducted on people that had an average of 76 years has shown that a daily consumption of bilberries has improved the scores of different cognitive tests. The participants have drank bilberry juice, about 500-626 milliliters per day, for 12 weeks.

Another recent study, from 2012, made by the Brigham Hospital and the Women Hospital in Boston, has shown that a high intake of flavonoids, especially from berries, can reduce the rates of cognitive decline for older people.

The secret of bilberries: they contain a variety of powerful antioxidants

The test that has been conducted in a laboratory and on animals has shown that the protective effects of bilberries on the brain take place due to the large variety of antioxidants that they have, especially the polyphenolic and anthocyanins compounds. These substances protect the nervous cells from the oxidative stress damage, reduce inflammation and fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

The best part is that bilberries have a low glycemic index, which means that they can be consumed by diabetics too, and they do not need to worry about a thing. Actually, a study has shown that these fruits can help regulate glycemic levels for diabetics. Moreover, bilberries can be frozen and they will not lose their properties.

To benefit from the cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects of bilberries, they have to be consumed in fresh condition. The good news is that these fruits can still be kept in the freezer in the winter. Freezing them doesn’t affect the content of antioxidants. Researchers have tested the antioxidant capacity and the concentration of anthocyanin of bilberries after freezing them for periods of 3 to 6 months and they did not notice any change in these parameters.

Bilberries and their numerous benefits

Bilberries have a lot of beneficial effects on your health, and researchers are still conducting studies to prove the numerous uses of these fruits. The best part is that they have this incredible taste, so it will be a shame not to eat bilberries every day. You can eat them raw, and not alter them at all, or you can try to make some amazing juices out of them. If you are feeling creative, you can even try some combinations with some other fruits, and the result will be amazing. Thinking about all these advantages that the consumption of cranberries can have, only a fool would not want to try them. Think about it, you can not only ameliorate or cure some diseases, but you can even prevent cancer. Again, the taste is heavenly, so give it a try and add cranberries to your daily diet!

If you are feeling creative, you can even try some combinations with some other fruits, and the result will be amazing. Thinking about all these advantages that the consumption of bilberries can have, only a fool would not want to try them. Think about it, you can not only ameliorate or cure some diseases, but you can even prevent cancer. Again, the taste is heavenly, so give it a try and add bilberries to your daily diet!