This Supplement Enhances Heart and Brain Function

There is evidence that shows consuming blueberries, specifically the anthocyanin found in them, can lead to positive changes in both vascular function and cognitive performance. However, the exact reasons behind these cognitive improvements are still not fully understood. It is unclear whether these effects are due to an increase in blood flow in the brain and blood vessels or if they are caused by alterations in the gut microbiota.

When we talk about vascular function, we refer to the health and efficiency of our blood vessels. It is important for our blood vessels to function properly because they carry oxygen and nutrients to various parts of our body, including our brain. When the vascular system is in good shape, it can support optimal brain function, leading to improved cognitive performance.

Cognitive performance refers to our ability to think, reason, remember, and process information. It encompasses various mental functions, such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. Enhancing cognitive performance can have significant benefits in our daily lives, as it can improve our productivity, learning abilities, and overall mental well-being.

Studies have found a positive association between the consumption of blueberry anthocyanin and improvements in both vascular function and cognitive performance. Anthocyanin is a natural compound that possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is abundant in blueberries and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

Scientists recently conducted a research study to test the effects of blueberry powder on the health of older adults. Their report is titled, "Wild blueberry (poly)phenols can improve vascular function and cognitive performance in healthy older individuals: a double-blind randomized controlled trial."

Study Design

The study included 61 healthy individuals between the ages of 65 and 80. The participants were divided into two groups: one group received a daily dose of 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder, which contained 302 milligrams of anthocyanin, while the other group received a placebo that did not contain any anthocyanin.

The researchers measured various health indicators of the participants before the study began and again after 12 weeks of daily consumption. These indicators included the function of the blood vessels (specifically, how well they dilated), cognitive function (the ability to think and remember), the stiffness of the arteries, blood pressure, blood flow in the brain, the composition of the gut bacteria, and various blood parameters.

To analyze the effects of the blueberry powder, the scientists looked at the levels of certain substances in the participants' blood and urine. They used a method, called microelution solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, to examine the plasma and urinary metabolites (breakdown products) of anthocyanin.

Study Results

The people who took the blueberry powder had some positive effects compared to the people who took the placebo. They had a higher flow-mediated dilation and lower systolic blood pressure when measured over 24 hours. This means their blood vessels were more relaxed and their blood pressure was lower. On the cognitive side, the people who took the blueberry powder had better immediate recall on a verbal learning task and were more accurate on a task-switching task compared to those who took the placebo.

The blueberry group also showed a significant increase in the amount of anthocyanin excreted in their urine compared to the placebo group. This suggests that the anthocyanin in blueberries was being absorbed by the body.

However, there were no changes observed in cerebral blood flow or the composition of gut bacteria in either group.

The scientists concluded that consuming blueberry powder daily can improve the functioning of blood vessels and cognitive abilities in healthy older people. It can also lower blood pressure when measured over 24 hours. This indicates that the antioxidants in blueberries may support healthy heart function and circulation, and improve memory and executive functioning.

Thrivous Vitality

Thrivous develops Vitality Geroprotector to enhance cell function and metabolism for better aging. Each serving of Vitality provides a clinical dose of blueberry anthocyanin, along with complementary nutrients. Accordingly, as suggested by this study, Thrivous Vitality may enhance heart function and circulation, as well as brain function and memory. Vitality is available online in the Thirvous store.