The health benefits of antioxidants, which is found in many foods, is no longer to be demonstrated. By acting against free radicals, they help fight against aging and against certain diseases. But that’s not all: they are also beneficial to the brain and especially to that of children. This is what researchers from the University of Reading (United Kingdom) have proven, in a study published in the journal Food & Function.
A positive impact on executive function
The scientists followed 21 children aged 7 to 10, which they separated into two groups: the first was to consume a drink containing blueberries, rich in flavonoids and therefore in antioxidants. The second was to drink a placebo drink. The children’s speed and accuracy were then tested through a computer exercise.
As a result, the researchers found that those who consumed the blueberry drink reacted 9% faster than those who consumed the placebo drink. The more difficult the tests, the more noticeable this effect. “We used blueberries because they are rich in flavonoids, compounds naturally present in foods such as fruits, vegetables, etc. tea (…) This is the first time that we have seen their positive impact on children’s executive function, “said Claire Williams, professor of neuroscience at the University of Reading and co-author of the study.
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