Berries help the brain clear toxic buildup

Adding more color to the diet in the form of berries is recommended by many nutrition experts. The protective effect of berries against inflammation has been documented in many studies. Diets supplemented with blueberries and strawberries have been shown to improve behavior and cognitive functions in stressed youth. To evaluate the protective effects of berries on brain function, specifically the brain’s ability to clear toxic buildup, a group of researchers fed some rats the berry diet for 2 months. They then looked at  his brain after irradiation, a model of accelerated aging. All rats were fed berries 2 months before radiation. They then divided into two groups. One was evaluated after 36 hours of radiation and the other after 30 days. After 30 days on the same berry diet, the rats experienced significant radiation protection compared to the control. The researchers looked at neurochemical changes in the brain. In particular, what is known as autophagy, which can regulate the synthesis, degradation and recycling of cellular components. It is also the way the brain clears toxic buildup. Most brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have shown an increased amount of toxic protein. Researchers are currently conducting a study in humans aged 60 to 75 years.