It s the anti-oxidant component in blueberries that s believed to be responsible. The hypothesis about aging is that age-related changes occur as a result of the body s sensitivity to the effects of oxidative stressors and the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. When too many oxidants are in the body, there is damage to molecules like DNA, lipids and proteins. That makes them vulnerable to free radicals atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons in orbit around the nucleus. Blueberries and other foods containing antioxidants like strawberries and grapes may protect the body against damage from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is one of several biological processes implicated in aging.
The study was conducted by Dr. James Joseph at Tufts University in Boston and Dr Paula Bickford at the University of Colorado in Denver. The animals that received supplements were given either blueberry, strawberry or spinach extracts. The group that faired the best in balance and coordination were fed the blueberries. Those that ate strawberries performed second best. The two groups given strawberry or blueberry supplements displayed the most evidence of protection against oxidative stress in their brains.