Cognitive decline can continue into adulthood and old age, if we allow it. We can also prevent cognitive impairment in the next generation if we re-evaluate the necessity of each vaccine dose on the CDC’s vaccine schedule. In the very beginning, the developing brain requires a specific nutrient-dense formula that comes from the mother’s breast. The breast milk provides long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Breast milk promotes glial cell proliferation and myelination, processes that accelerate structural neuron development. As the child grows and weans from mother’s breast, their brain will benefit the most from healthy fats and antioxidant-rich berries such as blueberries and strawberries.
Causes and signs of cognitive decline easily go ignored
Brain development is an easy health topic to ignore because we do not measure and hold ourselves accountable to seemingly non-urgent problems such as failing memory, poor decision-making, or a child’s inability to learn and develop language. These shortcomings are often considered genetic disadvantages and very little is done to effectively improve upon brain development and prevent further damage. Cognitive function oftentimes goes unnoticed, sometimes ignored, until it’s too late to correct it with better nutrition and reduction of neurotoxin exposures. When it’s too late, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss take over in middle age and become a devastating part of a person’s old age experience.
Cognitive impairment is the new norm, with over 16 million Americans suffering from advanced forms of brain damage. A large swath of the population suffers in the early stages of brain dysfunction. As the damage continues in to old age, many join the 5.1 million over 65 years who have Alzheimer’s disease, which is marked by high levels of aluminum in the brain, disconnection from antioxidant-rich diets, and reduced brain training exercises throughout adulthood.
The role of flavonoids in blueberries and strawberries for improving cognitive function
Containing high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanidins, blueberries provide great levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties for brain cells to enjoy. In a Nurses’ Health Study, researchers looked to see if increasing the intake of strawberries and blueberries could slow the progression of brain degeneration. The study included 275,000 participants who logged their intake of blueberries and strawberries dating back to 1976. As the participants reached the age of 70, the researchers began measuring their cognitive function in a period from 1995 to 2001. The study showed that cognitive function does not automatically decline with old age; it can be prevented with increased intake of strawberries and blueberries. Those who consumed greater amounts of the berries slowed their cognitive decline by as much as two and half years, compared to others.
To improve cognitive function, make sure to indulge in wild and/or organic berries, for they are not sprayed with pesticides. Berries are easy to consume in freshly blended smoothies and can be combined with other healthy brain foods such as avocados, hemp, turmeric, brahmi, horsetail shave grass, and ginkgo biloba leaf. Horsetail shave grass contains bio-available silica, an element that travels into the bloodstream and binds with aluminum, for excretion through the urinary tract.
Likewise, the flavonoids in strawberries and blueberries are readily absorbed into the bloodstream and have been shown to cross the blood/brain barrier, where they enhance neural connections, positively influencing regions of the brain that involve memory and motor function. Preliminary research from the University of Cincinnati showed enhanced memory in elderly adults upon consumption of two and half cups of blueberry juice over a twelve week period.
As neuron-developmental disorders, memory issues, and cognitive decline plague developed countries, it’s time to question the causes and respond appropriately with the science of nutrition.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
