Berry Compound Reduces Aging Effects *>>

In a new study, elderly laboratory animals that ate a diet rich in the berry and grape compound pterostilbene showed a reversal of some of the negative effects of aging on brain function and behavioral performance.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Pterostilbene is the same potent berry compound that has previously been found to reduce your risk of colon cancer and lower cholesterol levels as well as prescription drugs (but without the side effects).

It is one of countless antioxidant compounds found in berries that have yielded promising health effects, particularly when it comes to aging.

Oxidative damage is thought to be one of the primary factors in brain aging, and the research suggests that diets rich in natural antioxidants may help to slow this damage. This is one reason why blueberries, which are particularly high in antioxidants, are known to help support your brain health.

Berries, and grapes in particular, are also a source of one of the most exciting anti-aging compounds known, resveratrol.

The highest concentration of resveratrol in nature is found in muscadine grapes because of their extra thick skins and numerous seeds, where it is concentrated. Grapes produce resveratrol as a defense against fungi.

Studies show that resveratrol may increase the lifespan in human cells, so it could be a key to extending your longevity. And like pterostilbene, resveratrol reduces oxidative stress damage to your body by neutralizing free radicals.


Should You Eat More Berries to Slow Down Aging?

Berries contain compounds with tremendous health value, but because they are also naturally rich in sugar they fall into the “eat in moderation” food category.

If you are overweight, have diabetes or high blood pressure -- all signs that your insulin levels are elevated -- you are best off avoiding fruits altogether or limiting them to a small handful of berries a day.

If you are currently healthy, a small amount of fruit should not be a problem as long as you follow the guidelines of your nutritional type.

For example, if you’re a protein type, fruits are generally not beneficial for you with the exception of coconut, which has a higher fat content that is beneficial for protein types.

On the other hand, carbohydrate types tend to fare well with fruit and can safely consume moderate amounts. This is an important distinction, and all nutritional types should try to eat primarily the specific fruits that are best for their unique biochemistry.

Of course, if you’re really interested in slowing down aging, you need to look at the big picture -- and that involves much more than simply eating more berries.

>> Thanks to Dr. Mercola*