NEW STUDIE ON THE HEALTH PROPERTIES OF BLUEBERRIES
The benefits of blueberries for healthy aging
Staying healthy in old age is a topic we are very passionate about at Buchinger Wilhelmi. Not only can abstaining from food lead to health benefits, but eating the right foods after fasting also has a great impact on your brain cognition and longevity. One of the foods our experts recommend are blueberries. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins to boost your brain and cardiovascular health. A low-hanging fruit for healthy aging, so to speak.
New study on the health properties of blueberries
A recent study, published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and conducted by renowned researchers from King’s College London and the University of Reading, shows that consuming just a handful of wild blueberries every day can improve your brain cognition.
Dr. Robin Mesnage, Lead Data Scientist at Buchinger Wilhelmi, worked on this study analysing the participants’ gut microbiome.
Over a span of twelve weeks, 61 men and women were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group drank a beverage containing 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder while the other group consumed a matching placebo.
The results were remarkable: Participants who drank the blueberry powder experienced a multitude of health benefits that contributed to their overall quality of life, such as
Enhanced memory
The consumption of wild blueberries led to improved memory function, helping participants stay sharp and focused.
Heightened attention
Participants who consumed the blueberry-infused beverage demonstrated increased accuracy on attention tasks, highlighting its cognitive benefits.
Cardiovascular health
Those who drank a daily dose of wild blueberries experienced reduced blood pressure levels, which again promotes cardiovascular health and brain cognition. These participants also demonstrated an increased flow-mediated dilation, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
The role of gut bacteria
Gut bacteria known to produce anti-inflammatory compounds correlated positively with the improvements in cardiovascular function and cognition, suggesting a role of the gut microbiome.
Growing and eating blueberries – at Buchinger Wilhelmi and at home
Since blueberries have such incredible health benefits, we are considering planting our own blueberry bushes at our clinics. This way, our guests can enjoy their delicious taste and positive effects after their fast.
We also work with local farmers and organisations such as demeter to ensure that only the highest quality food makes it onto each plate. Eating healthily after a fast is a crucial factor in guaranteeing its long-term positive effects. Learn more about the culinary arts at Buchinger Wilhelmi – from our head chef Hubert Hohler.
There are lots of healthy and tasty recipes that include blueberries. You can add them to your breakfast or a smoothie, put them in a salad or just enjoy them on their own. We often add blueberries to the Buchinger muesli we serve to our patients. Blueberries contain vitamins and antioxidants, and just a handful a day is enough to enjoy the benefits.
Here at Buchinger Wilhelmi, we understand the significance of making the right dietary choices and their impact on well-being and healthy aging. That’s why we provide you with the latest insights into health and nutrition, empowering you to live your best life.
