As we age, brain health becomes more and more important.

Not only for the sake of functioning but also staying involved with what we love doing-hunting.

There is one topic in relation to brain health worth becoming aware of. And that is Neurogenesis.

Neurogenesis is a complex process in the brain that involves the development of new brain cells.

When this process is activated, new brain cells are born that replace damaged or dead brain cells (a self-repairing mechanism) for improving brain health.

The activation of neurogenesis can help preserve brain functioning and potentially prevent some mental decline associated with aging.

Vital for people who have and/or are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

To some degree, we can increase neurogenesis through various lifestyle choices.

A few ways to potentially increase the rate of neurogenesis could be:

• Learning (reading)
• 16:8 Method (fasting)
• Training (planned exercise)
• Sauna
• Cold Water Immersion
• Consuming Specific Foods

A few ways that could decrease the rate of neurogenesis could be alcohol, chronic stress, and sleep deprivation.¹

In this context, our focus is increasing the rate of neurogenesis by consuming blueberries.

Blueberries contain a plant compound called anthocyanins which are connected to improving cognitive functioning.²,³,⁴,⁵ AKA better thinking, reasoning, and logic.

Anthocyanins from blueberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could be why brain health in terms of memory, learning, emotions, and mood begins to improve.⁶,⁷

Eat blueberries, activate neurogenesis, and then enhance your brain health.

Plus, enhanced brain health equates to better learning and problem-solving skills, both of which are factors that could play a vital role while on your hunt.

In short, neurogenesis is a fun and exciting avenue in the science world that offers potential healthspan enhancements and positive implications when incorporating strategies that activate it.

Get your neurogenesis on hunters, your mind and body will thank you.

References

¹Adult Neurogenesis & Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/adult-neurogenesis-mental-health.

²Boespflug EL;Eliassen JC;Dudley JA;Shidler MD;Kalt W;Summer SS;Stein AL;Stover AN;Krikorian R; (n.d.). Enhanced neural activation with blueberry supplementation in mild cognitive impairment. Nutritional neuroscience. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28221821/.

³Miller, M. G., Hamilton, D. A., Joseph, J. A., & Shukitt-Hale, B. (2018, April). Dietary blueberry improves cognition among older adults in a randomize, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28283823

⁴Shukitt-Hale, B. (2012). Blueberries and neuronal aging. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22907211

⁵Shukitt-Hale, B., Thangthaeng, N., Miller, M. G., Poulose, S. M., Carey, A. N., & Fisher, D. R. (2019, June 18). Blueberries Improve Neuroinflammation and Cognition differentially Depending on Individual Cognitive baseline Status. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6580694/

⁶Stangl, D., & Thuret, S. (2009, December). Impact of diet on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775886/

⁷Subash, S., Essa, M. M., Al-Adawi, S., Memon, M. A., Manivasagam, T., & Akbar, M. (2014, August 15). Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192974/