New Scientific Study: A Daily Dose of Wild Blueberries Could Improve Cognitive and Cardiovascular Health

A daily dose of wild blueberries could improve cognitive and cardiovascular health

Are you looking for a simple way to boost your cognitive and cardiovascular health? Don't look for anything other than humble blueberries! According to a new study from King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, daily consumption of just a handful of wild blueberries can bring a range of health benefits.

The study found that the anthocyanins contained in blueberries are responsible for improving vascular and cerebral blood flow, which are two key factors for maintaining healthy cognitive functions. Anthocyanins are polyphenols, which are a group of plant compounds that are increasingly associated with many health benefits.

Participants who consumed a drink made from 26 g of freeze-dried forest blueberry powder daily for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 3.59 mmHg and an improvement in vascular function compared to those who consumed a placebo powder. In addition, blueberry consumers showed improved performance functions, enhanced short-term memory, and faster reaction times.

The study involved 61 healthy men and women aged 65-80 years. Half of them consumed a drink containing 26 g of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder every day, while the other half consumed a placebo that matched the taste, appearance, macronutrient content, fiber, and vitamin C.

Scientists believe that the beneficial effects of blueberries are due to their blue pigments called anthocyanins. Each daily dose of the forest blueberry powder in the study contained 302 milligrams of anthocyanins, while the placebo drink contained none.

The mechanism of the beneficial effects of polyphenols is not yet fully understood, but according to one theory, polyphenol "metabolites may act as signaling molecules that operate through several cellular signaling pathways, modulating the bioavailability of nitric oxide and various enzymes."

If you want to enhance your cognitive and cardiovascular health, consider adding a cup of wild blueberries to your daily diet. And given that the benefits of blueberries have been supported by a new study, there is no better time to start! gfBar contains 50% wild blueberries, which supports the benefits brought by this study. In one stick, you will find the equivalent of 133.5 g of fresh wild blueberries.

Anthocyanins are polyphenols, a family of plant compounds that are increasingly associated with health benefits.

Although daily consumption of a handful of wild blueberries is not always easy, you can rely on gfBar to contain a sufficient amount of this superfood to benefit cognitive and cardiovascular health.

Source: https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46300-9/fulltext