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Berries are considered one of the healthiest types of fruit available - but a new study found a surprising and really worthwhile finding.
According to researchers, blueberries help the body burn more fat during exercise and the fruit may also reduce oxidative stress in the body.
American researchers gave a group of cyclists blueberry powder for two weeks before cycling.
They found that their rate of fat burning during moderate exercise increased - and the group also burned less glycogen, which increases endurance levels.
"This study was the first to investigate whether wild blueberry consumption would result in higher rates of fat oxidation during an exercise protocol designed to maximize fat oxidation through moderate-intensity exercise in healthy, trained men," says a study published in the journal Nutrients.
A recipe for blueberry cupcakes named after Mickey
Little bastards.
Blueberries (Photo: ShutterStock)
"This study documented that consuming wild blueberries for 14 days increased fat oxidation, reduced carbohydrate oxidation, and reduced plasma lactate levels during 40 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling."
Experts based at California Polytechnic State University and Gonzaga University's Department of Kinesiology and Sports Management performed the tests on a group of male cyclists.
For two weeks, participants received 25 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry (WB) powder, which contains 375 grams of anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are water-soluble colored pigments found in many foods, including berries, currants, grapes and are also found in some tropical fruits.
After two weeks, the participants were tested while cycling for 40 minutes.
The scientists found that fat burning increased by 19.7 percent in 20 minutes, 43.2 percent in 30 minutes and 31.1 percent in 40 minutes.
The experts also found that their endurance improved.
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Good for the brain too
In a study published six months ago in which volunteers with cognitive problems participated who consumed blueberries daily for six months, it was found that the participants' ability to process information improved.
The findings were published in Nutritional Neuroscience, an international journal on nutrition, nutrition and the nervous system.
The study included 86 adults (ages 65-80) who self-reported some cognitive problems.
Another 43 older adults who did not experience any problems were included as a comparison group.
All participants underwent tests to confirm their cognitive status.
They were then randomly assigned to consume wild blueberry powder or a placebo powder and instructed to include the powder daily in their diet.
The participants were monitored that tested their cognitive abilities every month and at the end of the study they were tested again.
The tests included a computerized diagnostic system for brain-psychological diagnosis (CANTAB) and a brain imaging technique.
The results showed that basic cognitive ability - processing speed - improved in the wild blueberry group.
In fact, processing speed was restored to the level of those in the reference group who did not experience any cognitive decline.
health
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