Blueberries – also known as a super fruit. It is known to be the king of antioxidants and is believed to help lower down bad cholesterol. A recent study strongly suggests that this super fruit can aid in cognitive repair, especially for the elderly. Twenty-six elders aged between 66 and 75 have participated in the experiment. Fourteen of them were given a placebo while the remaining consumed at least 30ml of concentrated blueberry juice every day.
After twelve weeks, those that have blueberry juice included in their diet exhibited significant changes in their brain activity, as monitored by the MRI scanner. Our brain functions decline as we age. It is important to have a green-leafy and fruity diet to help slow down our brain aging. Flavonoids, found in fruits like blueberry, are substance that help improve our cognitive function. Consuming 230g of blueberries a day can make our memory vivid, even if we hit the age of sixty.
Vocabulary:
antioxidant – a substance such as vitamin C or E that removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism
cognitive – of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities (such as thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering)
placebo – a substance that has no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs
flavonoid – a substance found in fruits and vegetables that may help protect people against some types of cancer or heart disease
vivid – clear images in the mind
super fruit – a fruit supposed to contain remarkable health benefits
True or False:
- Blueberries can lower down bad cholesterol.
- Twenty-six elders aged 65 to 75 participated in the study.
- Placebo showed effects in improving brain functions.
- Favoroids are found in blueberries.
- Consuming 230g of blueberry a day is good for your health.
Express your opinion:
- What are your thoughts about the article?
- What are the fruits commonly used as a healthy drink in your country?
- There are known food for the brain. Could you name some that you know?
- Should eating healthy start at a younger age? Please explain your answer.
- What other fruits are considered as a super fruit?
Defend your argument:
- There might be bad effects when drinking concentrated fruit juices.
- Nature has the best medicine in the world.Nature has the best medicine in the world.
- “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates