Study Finds High Dose of Blueberry Polyphenols May Improve Cognitive Performance

Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, which are beneficial plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. A recent study suggests that a high dose of blueberry polyphenols may help improve cognitive performance and metabolic response to meals.

Thirty-five adults with an average age of 52.5 participated in the study. They consumed a drink containing the equivalent of one cup of wild blueberries or a placebo drink on two separate occasions. They completed cognitive tests before consuming the drink and at regular intervals during the 8 hours following consumption. The researchers drew blood 9 times during that period to measure plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides.

Participants in the blueberry group saw improvements in cognitive tasks and executive function tasks compared to the placebo group. These tasks included remembering word lists and rapid response tests. In addition, participants in the blueberry group saw reduced post-meal glucose and insulin levels compared to the placebo group. No changes were seen in triglyceride levels.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Reading. It was published online ahead of print on August 3, 2020 in the European Journal of Nutrition.