Some researchers reported elderly individuals who eat plenty of strawberries and blueberries are less likely to experience cognitive decline, compared to those who rarely or never eat berries. Adding flavonoids-rich berries to elderly people's diet could delay their cognitive decline by up to two-and-a-half years.
Flavonoids, compounds which exist in plants, are extremely powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. Scientists say inflammation and stress play a major role in cognitive decline, and that consuming plenty of flavonoids helps reduce their effects.
Previous studies had already shown that consuming flavonoids, especially anthocyanidins, can improve cognitive functions. However, they were all either animal studies or very small human ones.
The researchers emphasized that despite having taken some factors into account, there might still be others which are linked to higher berry intake which could affect their findings. For example, possibly those who eat more berries also exercise more.
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