WAIS Nutrition: Blueberries on the Brain
It seems as though there may be another food on the block worthy of the ‘superfood’ title! One that you are probably already eating with no knowledge of the amazing benefits it has to offer. What is it you ask?
Blueberries!
Whilst you have probably heard about the many positives of a diet abundant with plant based foods before, the key to good health is really eating a variety of foods from all of the food groups. Considering this, research has found that including blueberries in the diet on a regular basis may be even more beneficial than once thought.
Berries contain a chemical called anthocyanidins which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, whilst it is also responsible for giving berries their vibrant blue, purple and red colours.
Having high amounts of antioxidants can help protect the brain cells from damage by stimulating the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries assist by changing how the brain communicates with the body regarding inflammation and cell survival.
Overall research has found that blueberries can improve an individual’s motor control and cognition, leading to lasting positive effects on the brain.
A recent study found that those who drank a blueberry smoothie in the morning performed better when asked to complete a number of mental activities in the afternoon than those who had consumed a placebo drink.
With this said we can see how blueberries could be super beneficial for athletes. By improving mid-afternoon brain function it makes them perfect for getting through a day of study or work or for keeping your mind active during an afternoon training session.
Luckily for us blueberries are readily available all year round whether that be fresh, frozen or dried. However you buy them, the way they are processed means there is no impact on the levels of the anthocyanidins chemical present within them.
There are many ways that you can easily include blueberries into your diet whether that be making yourself a blueberry smoothie or topping your cereal with blueberries in the morning, or throwing some dried blueberries into your favourite salad for lunch.
WAIS athletes, for more information on blueberries or ideas on how you can include them in your diet be sure to make a time to speak to your WAIS Nutritionist.