Blueberries on the brain

The January 2011 issue of Scientific American Mind picks up some research we have been following about flavonoids, which research shows may improve memory, learning and general cognitive function:

Emerging research suggests that compounds in blueberries known as flavonoids may improve memory, learning and general cognitive function, including reasoning skills, decision making, verbal comprehension and numerical ability. In addition, studies comparing dietary habits with cognitive function in adults hint that consuming flavonoids may help slow the decline in mental facility that is often seen with aging and might even provide protection against disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

We have previously posted about the impact of flavonoids (which also occur in chocolate) on math skills. In the article we cited, study authors indicated flavonoids worked by increasing blood flow to the brain. This more recent article indicates that researchers believe flavonoids impact cognition by interacting with proteins that are integral to brain-cell structure and function.

Either way, we like the idea of good-tasting foods being good for the brain!

Tags: brain fitness, memory, research