Blueberries May Improve Memory, Coordination, and Balance
Preliminary research suggests that blueberries protect against the effects of age-related deterioration of the brain, such as short-term memory loss. This is due to the antioxidant actions of flavonoids found in blueberries. They may protect against, and even reverse, some age-related memory loss by preventing degenerative free radical damage and improving blood flow, resulting in a healthier brain.
In one study, Jim Joseph, Director of the neuroscience laboratory in the USDA Human Nutrition Center found that blueberry-fed mice performed better than their control group counterparts in motor behavioral learning and memory, and increased in exploratory behavior. Jim Joseph is currently testing the effects of blueberries on memory, coordination and balance on humans. Preliminary results show that people who ate a cup of blueberries a day have performed 5-6% better on motor skills tests than the control group. Blueberries should play a more significant role in adult diets since statistics show that by 2050, more than 30% of Americans will be over 65 and will have the decreased cognitive and motor function that accompanies old age.
