Alzheimer's Disease - The Blueberry Defense

Alzheimer's Disease - The Blueberry Defense
by Sam Serio

ever make a difference in the way those same bodies are able to fight back against
disease. "Fightonutrients" might be a more appropriate spelling.
By any spelling, however, phytonutrients have come to the forefront of those natural
substances which can strengthen our immune systems, directly combat viral and
bacterial infestations, and reduce the inflammation which leads to arthritis and brain
dysfunction. They can even assist in treating cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Even better, these little disease-busting bomblets are close as the produce
department, or frozen fruit section, of the nearest grocery store, and if you want the
best of the best, head straight for the blueberries. From the outside in, blueberries
are loaded with enough phytonutrients to seriously challenge a number of invading
illnesses.

It all begins with that skin of soothing blue-violet. Deceptively calming, the red
pigment which gives blueberries their purplish cast comes from the phytonutrient
"anthocyanin". Anthocyanin has been shown, in research studies on mice genetically
predisposed to develop the same brain plaque which afflicts Alzheimer's disease
victims, to boost the communication between failing brain neurons.

In other words, blueberries took tired old mice brain cells which had run out of things
to talk about, and persuaded them to converse again. The results for the mice to
which the brains belonged included improved memory and motor skill function they
hadn't seen for months--which, for mice, can be half a lifetime.

What does this mean for us? In humans, Alzheimer's' disease produces the
amyloid-beta peptide, which is thought to cause plaque by binding to receptors in the
brain and blocking the neuron signals required for memory and learning. These
neurons are located in the hippocampus, and are what let us transform our
short-term memories into permanent ones. When Alzheimer's interferes with their
communication, it interferes with our memory.

According to Professor James Joseph, who conducted the research on mice for the
U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center at Boston's Tufts
University, "Blueberries have compounds that boost neuron signals and help turn
back on systems in the brain that can lead to using other proteins to help with
memory or other cognitive skills."

About The Author

Sam Serio is a true blue devotee of the blueberry and a life long student of health and
nutrition. Sam Serio is also the producer of the Annual Chincoteague Blueberry
Festival which is held the third weekend of July on the beautiful island of
Chincoteague in Virginia. This midsummer celebration of nature's tastiest and most
healthy gift - the Blueberry is combined with a "Christmas in July" Craft Shopping
Extravaganza the premier Fine Art and Craft event on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
For more information, please visit
and pick up your free e-book entitled "A Healthy Taste for Blueberries". This free
special report reveals everything you ever wanted to know about blueberries, but
were afraid to ask. Also includes recipes, beauty secrets, health benefits and much
more. Get yours now at .

Flavonoids. Are they science fiction
creatures--like humanoids, only
tastier?

Well, in their natural state, they do
taste good. But, although the health
benefits with which they have
recently been credited certainly
border on amazing, they are not the
product of science fiction.

Flavonoids are among the
phytonutrients--plant
components--which don't seem to be
essential to the regular functions of
our bodies. But boy, oh boy, do the

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.