The population of the United States is an aging one. More than 30% Americans will be over 65 by 2050, according to projections by population experts. This means a great number of people will experience features common to aging such as decreased cognitive and motor functions. Jim Joseph, the Director of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Centre (HNRC), has been conducting tests into how features common to aging can be reduced or mitigated through the eating of blueberries by humans. His preliminary result shows that eating blueberries can prevent certain effects of aging. Other experts have come to the same conclusion after tests into the issue. Here are some of the reasons why you should eat blueberries to prevent aging.
Antioxidant Activity Of Blueberries
Antioxidants are believed to help the body to shield humans against chronic illnesses which occur as the body ages. They are also associated with the protection of humans against the damage which free radicals can cause in the body system. However, blueberries contain many antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E. Researchers say 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg of Vitamin E per cup of blueberries are contained in the berry. The implication of this is that like many fresh fruits blueberries may help to prevent aging activity in people.
Compounds Act as Antioxidants
Anthocyanins and phenolics are compounds which also act as antioxidants. However, blueberries also contain these elements within its structure. The four antioxidants which are contained in the berry makes it to be considered as having more antioxidant activity than many other fruits and vegetables, which contain the compounds.
Experiments on Rats
Joseph fed blueberry extractions to rats and ran the latter through a series of motor skill tests. The blueberry-fed mice had better motor behavioral learning skills and memory than their control group counterpart. On further examination, it was found that the blueberry-fed mice had a marked decrease in oxidative stress in two regions of the brain. The blueberry-fed mice also out-performed those in the control group in tests to determine rats with better retention neurons.
Experiments On Humans
Joseph and other researchers are presently engaged on tests on the effect of eating blueberries on humans. Those who eat a cup of blueberries a day have been found through preliminary results to out-perform the control group on motor skills test. Those who eat blueberries performed better than those who do not by 5 to 6%.
Proanthocyanidins
Blueberries have been discovered by researchers at Rutgers University, New York to contain compounds called proanthocyanidins. This compound is thought to promote urinary tract health as well as to reduce the risk of infections, problems usually associated with the aging process. The compound protects aging people from the problem by preventing bacteria from lining the walls of the urinary tract.
Blueberries And Nutrition
Apart from antioxidants, blueberries also contain substances such as carotenoids, ellagic acid, fructose, fiber, flavonoids and other minerals. These compounds have been known over the years to prevent or slow down the aging process.
Conclusively, take at least a cup of blueberries everyday. You'll discover the health benefits of the plant, as well as achieve a slow down in the aging process.
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