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
Nature’s Pharmacy Knocks Out Long COVID Symptoms
I’ve had many people ask me about Long COVID recently. It’s a big concern because it’s affecting more survivors than you might think. If you’re one of them—before you resign yourself to a life of lingering symptoms—there’s hope on the horizon… And it comes straight from Mother Nature herself. Recent data paints a sobering picture....
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...