SUPERCHARGE Your Brain with a Cup of Blue
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 31, 2022
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Health doesn’t have to be that hard.
Sure, you can go climb 18 flights of stairs with a 50-pound pack on your back if you WANT to.
You can eat ONLY organically grown broccoli blessed by monks if you WANT to.
But don’t fool yourself into thinking that the hard way is the best way.
In fact, research proves that people at both ends of the spectrum (those who do nothing for their health and those who go overboard) are doing more harm than good.
It’s the folks in the middle who fare the best when it comes to health.
And when it comes to maintaining good brain health, I can show you how to get healthy one cup at a time.
I’m talking about eating a cup of blueberries a day.
A new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that when older adults eat a daily cup of blueberries, they improve their long-term memory and cognition.
In fact, blueberries were such a game changer that the research team found that the study participants were experiencing positive brain changes within hours after eating them.
What’s going on here?
While the scientists didn’t say in the paper, MY educated hunch is that our old friends’ inflammation and oxidative stress are at play.
Oxidative damage is the reason we take antioxidants. They help keep free radicals from damaging our cells and DNA. Oxidative stress and inflammation commonly go hand in hand.
But blueberries contain powerful bioactive compounds called flavonoids that can battle both.
Flavonoids are natural plant molecules found in many colorful fruits and vegetables. There are two major types:
- flavones, found in yellow and orange fruits and veggies
- anthocyanins, found in darker fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and cherries
These powerful antioxidants help control inflammation and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Plus, they boost blood flow, making them a perfect match for better brain health.
You want to get as many flavonoids in your diet as possible, especially if you want to keep dementia at bay. And a daily cup of delicious blueberries fits the bill.
P.S. Blueberries aren’t the only produce aisle pick that can help support a stronger brain. Research has revealedthat fruits rich in THIS nutrient can also help whip your brain into shape.
Source: “Dietary blueberry improves cognition among older adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. “Eur J Nutr. 2018 Apr;57(3):1169-1180. doi: 10.1007/s00394-017-1400-8. Epub 2017 Mar 10. PMID: 28283823.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Micro Eye Movements Make for Crystal-Clear Vision
Think about when you’re reading… Maybe you’ve come across a word you’re unfamiliar with. You zero in, focusing your gaze on each letter. But while you’re concentrating, your eyes are far from still. They’re making constant, tiny movements, even if you don’t notice them. Known as fixational drift, these micro-movements may actually be the key...
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...