Researchers feel there may be nothing better—or better-tasting--than blueberries for preventing memory loss and other age-related cognitive problems.
A recent study done on rats showed that supplementing the diet for 8 weeks with blueberry extract improved two major age-related concerns: loss of memory and loss of coordination.
Researchers fed healthy pre-middle-aged laboratory rats a steady diet of blueberries and found that they did much better than the non-berry-eating rats on mental acuity tests as they reached middle age and beyond. Another similar study showed that older rats given blueberry extract learned and remembered better and performed better on a balance beam.
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| “C” is the Key to Strawberry’s Protective Power |
An orange is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Vitamin C, but red, ripe strawberries are actually a much better source of this disease-fighting nutrient. And when strawberries are part of a Vita-Mix Smoothie like this Robin's Vita-Mix Recipes feature, research proves that the powerful and fast-moving Vita-Mix blades break down the strawberry’s cell walls to release even more antioxidant protection than you get when you eat whole berries. Process, pour and drink up—by all means!
Do this every day, and your “berry” delicious dose of Vitamin C will send your immune system skyrocketing, keep free radicals at bay to prevent cataracts, boost bone density, reduce wrinkles and protect against skin and stomach cancers.
Extra cancer protection comes from another phytonutrient found in strawberries—ellagic acid. Currently a hot commodity in research labs, ellagic acid stimulates the production of enzymes that destroy carcinogens. In recent laboratory studies, ellagic acid has proven to put cancer cells out of commission and stop the growth of tumors. |
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