Bring on the Blueberries!

Blueberries, high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, have long been a recommended source of protection from cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.  But now the tiny fruits are showing promise for delaying mental decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to a new study from the Rush University Medical Center.

An August 4, 2015 press release from the university stated that eating foods from the MIND diet,  including blueberries and strawberries (the only fruits included in the diet) could delay the onset of dementia by up to 7.5 years.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Aging, followed cognitive changes in 960 dementia-free older adults over a period of more than 4 years.  The average age of participants was 81.4.  Those who followed the recommended diet were found to be cognitively younger than those who did not stick strictly to the diet.

MIND Diet (a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diets)

• Weekly consumption of fish
• Three servings of whole grains daily
• A salad and a vegetable every day
• A  daily glass of wine
• Snacking on nuts
• Eating beans several times per week
• Consuming poultry and berries at least twice a week
• Olive as primary oil

Limit

• Butter
• Cheese
• Red Meat
• Pastries and sweets
• Fried or fast food (less than a serving a week for any of these)

More more information about the study follow the link : https://www.rush.edu/news/press-releases/new-mind-diet-may-significantly-protect-against-alzheimers-disease .