Berries Enhance Brain Signaling

Emerging research has identified neurological benefits associated with the consumption of berry fruits, which as a food group are high in antioxidants – compounds that may help to combat cellular oxidative stress. Researchers from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (Massachusetts, USA) have completed a literature review which reports that consumption of berry fruits has direct effects on the brain. Specifically, the team explains that the ingestion  of berries may help to prevent age-related neurodegeneration and resulting changes in cognitive and motor function. The researchers explain that in cell and animal models, berry fruits mediate signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cell survival in addition to enhancing neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, and calcium buffering, all of which lead to attenuation of age- and pathology-related deficits in behavior.