Abstract

It is well known that what we eat can influence our physical wellbeing, but interest is also increasing in the relationship between our diet and cognitive health. In recent years, blueberries have risen from relative obscurity to superfood status following a number of published epidemiological studies, rodent trials, and human RCTs, that suggest blueberries may convey benefits to cognition and mood. This commentary explores some of the evidence in humans, particularly during periods of cognitive development in the young and cognitive decline in the elderly. Evidence for possible mechanisms of action are also described. There is little doubt that blueberries convey a small, but tangible, benefit to cognitive function. Effects are seen following dose sizes easily achievable within a normal diet. Nevertheless, further research is needed on the cognitive domains influenced, additional benefits of longer-term supplementation, mechanisms of action responsible, and the real-world relevance of the cognitive benefits attained.

摘要

众所周知，我们吃的东西会影响我们的身体健康，但人们对饮食与认知健康之间的关系也越来越感兴趣。近年来，在多项已发表的流行病学研究、啮齿动物试验和人类 RCT 表明蓝莓可能对认知和情绪有益之后，蓝莓已从相对默默无闻上升为超级食品。本评论探讨了人类的一些证据，特别是在年轻人认知发展和老年人认知衰退期间。还描述了可能的作用机制的证据。毫无疑问，蓝莓对认知功能有微小但有形的好处。在正常饮食中很容易达到的剂量大小后可以看到效果。尽管如此，