A Malaga cardiologist has revealed what he believes is one of the most powerful fruits for protecting the brain, improving memory and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Dr Aurelio Rojas made the claims in a recent TikTok video, where he pointed to blueberries as a simple daily food that may help slow cognitive decline and boost brain function.
‘There is one fruit that is tremendously superior when it comes to protecting your brain,’ he told followers.
‘It improves memory, but not in the way most people think.’
According to Dr Rojas, blueberries appear to increase blood flow to specific areas of the brain linked to memory and concentration, particularly the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.
He cited research published in the academic journal Nutritional Neuroscience, which found measurable improvements in memory tests after participants consumed blueberries regularly for 12 weeks.
The medic also pointed to research from Harvard University involving more than 16,000 women.
According to the study, women who regularly consumed blueberries experienced slower cognitive decline, with brain ageing delayed by as much as two and a half years compared with those who ate them less frequently.
But the potential benefits are not limited to brain health.
Dr Rojas said blueberries can also help reduce systolic blood pressure – the top number in a blood pressure reading and one of the most important indicators of cardiovascular risk.
‘Several controlled clinical trials have shown reductions of between four and six millimetres of mercury,’ he explained.
‘For me, that’s remarkable because it’s comparable to the effects of some medications in their early stages.’
The doctor recommends eating around 150 grams of blueberries per day – roughly a generous handful.
He added that regular consumption has been linked to a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which are believed to help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
While experts stress that no single food is a miracle cure, studies increasingly suggest that diets rich in berries, fruit and vegetables may play an important role in maintaining both heart and brain health as we age.
