It is exam time and crunch time for for anyone going to school or working on a university or college campus.  Read below how to improve your memory written by senior dietetics major Chelsea Munoz.

Blueberries to Improve Memory

            Forgot where you placed those car keys again?  Forgot to bring your umbrella to class on a rainy day?  Have you ever wished for a way to help you remember information for exams?  Good news!  There is a way to improve that memory of yours.  It’s called blueberries, or “brain berries”. 

            Blueberries have been shown in studies to improve short-term memory by affecting the brain tissue areas for learning and memory.  This is because blueberries contain phytochemicals which are biologically active substances found in plants.  Blueberries have many other great benefits such as reducing cancer risks, improving motor skills and night vision.  They may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of heart disease. 

            Try incorporating blueberries into your daily intake by mixing them in cereal, muffins, yogurt, smoothies, and salads.  When picking out blueberries, choose firm berries and ones that are free of mold.  Blueberries can last up to a week in the refrigerator. 

            Go eat your “brain berries” today and start remembering!

Wild Blueberry Smoothie
Serves 2

Ingredients:
6 ounces wild blueberries (fresh or frozen)
6 ounces yogurt (vanilla or blueberry)
1 Tbsp honey (if plain yogurt is used)
1/2 cup ice (3 ice cubes)

Resources:

Peaslee, Kindy R.  “The Power of a Blue Diet.”  Today’s Dietitian.  2009.   

<http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/july2006pg32.shtml>

ADA’s Public Relations Team.  “Fueling a health brain.”  American Dietetic Association. 

<http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/home_4412_ENU_HTML.htm>