Can Certain Fruits Really Stave Off Dementia?

Here’s what the science says about whether your diet can counteract cognitive decline.

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Today At A Glance:

Today, we’re peeling back the layers on a scandal so insidious, it makes Big Tobacco look like a minor league player. We’re diving into the murky waters of Alzheimer’s disease and revealing how Big Pharma has been keeping you in the dark about the real brain saviors: antioxidants like Vitamin E, selenium, and most notably, blueberries. Yes, those little blue gems that pack more power than a cabinet full of prescription pills.

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Neuro Athletes,

Team, I think we need to chat about what exactly your brain wants and needs to survive and thrive. There are many misconceptions about the brain, such as the role of dietary cholesterol—your blood-brain barrier cannot take in cholesterol directly. Despite what your favorite health influencers might say, no, eating bacon and eggs won’t magically boost your brainpower through cholesterol intake.

Therefore, I want to open your minds up and chat about antioxidants and their crucial role in protecting your brain from diseases like Alzheimer's.

Let’s dive into how simple nutrients like Vitamin E, selenium, and especially blueberries can be your brain's best friends, and why Big Pharma and Big Food don't want you to know this.

Why Blueberries Are a Big Deal for Your Brain

• Rich in antioxidants: Blueberries are packed with flavonoids, natural compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and provide neuroprotective effects.

• Blood-brain barrier: This selective filter shields the brain from harmful substances while allowing beneficial compounds like flavonoids to pass through.

• Combatting oxidative stress and inflammation: Flavonoids, especially anthocyanins (the pigments that give blueberries their color), reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key players in Alzheimer’s pathology.

• Improving cognitive function: Studies show that regular consumption of blueberries can improve memory and cognitive function.

  • Example: A study in the Annals of Neurology found that older adults who consumed more blueberries had slower rates of cognitive decline. It concluded that older women who ate more blueberries and strawberries had delayed rates of cognitive decline: perhaps by up to 2.5 years.

    “I don’t think there are miracle foods, but, of course, it’s really good to eat the fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Allison Reiss, a member of the medical, scientific and memory screening advisory board at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

  

  • Example: Research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlighted how blueberry extract enhances brain signaling and plasticity.

The Science Behind Blueberries and Brain Health

• Polyphenols stimulate neurogenesis: The birth of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, the brain's memory center.

• Enhancing BDNF: Polyphenols enhance the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting the survival of existing neurons and encouraging the growth of new neurons and synapses.

• Countering Alzheimer’s pathology: Consuming blueberries can mitigate the damage caused by oxidative stress, reducing amyloid plaques and tau tangles formation.

Why Are Blueberries So Expensive?

• Subsidies for junk food: Fast food and sugary products are heavily subsidized, making them more affordable and accessible.

• Nutrient-dense foods at a premium: Blueberries and other nutrient-dense foods come with a hefty price tag.

• Profit-driven healthcare: Big Pharma and Big Food profit from a sick population.

  • No profit in a healthy population: Fast food and sugary products are cheaper to produce and consume, leading to higher consumption and more health issues.

  • Disease management vs. prevention: The pharmaceutical industry focuses on managing disease symptoms rather than preventing them, pushing expensive medications over natural remedies.

The Role of Vitamin E and Selenium

• Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, acts as a potent scavenger of free radicals, protecting neurons from oxidative damage.

• Selenium: A trace mineral found in Brazil nuts and seafood, crucial for the proper functioning of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, which protect cells from oxidative stress.

• Together, these antioxidants:

  • Form a protective shield around neurons, preventing damage.

  • Support overall brain health.

Take Control of Your Brain Health

• Incorporate antioxidants into your diet: Blueberries, Vitamin E, and selenium are key.

• Don’t let Big Pharma and Big Food dictate your future: Eat smart, stay informed, and spread the word.

• Your brain will thank you: Protect your brain and prevent Alzheimer’s by making better dietary choices.

Take charge of your health with the power of antioxidants and keep the Big Pharma profits at bay. Your journey to a healthier brain starts in the produce aisle, not the medicine cabinet.

Until next time,

Louisa x