Identification of Nordic Berries with Beneficial Effects on Cognitive Outcomes and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat-Fed Middle-Aged C57BL/6J Mice

This study explored the impact of Nordic berries on cognitive function and gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-fed middle-aged mice. Berries such as bilberries, lingonberries, and blackcurrants improved spatial memory and supported hippocampal neurogenesis, indicated by increased neuronal markers. These berries also enriched gut microbiota diversity and boosted beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila. These findings suggest berries' potential to mitigate cognitive decline associated with aging and poor diet through gut-brain axis modulation and neuronal health.

Incorporating Nordic berries (e.g., lingonberries, bilberries, blackcurrants) into your diet may help sustain cognitive health and improve gut microbiota diversity, especially for those at risk of diet-induced cognitive decline. While promising, these findings are from an animal model, so additional human studies are needed to validate these effects and determine optimal intake.