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Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the consumption of flavonoids is associated with a decreased risk of developing depression.
In two separate double-blind, crossover studies, young adults (18-21 years old) and children (7-10 years old) were randomly assigned to a flavonoid-rich blueberry drink or a matched placebo. Mood was measured before and 2 hours after the consumption of the drink.
The researchers found that in both studies the blueberry drink increased positive affect but had no effect on negative affect. No changes were observed after the placebo drink.
Potential explanations for the mood-enhancing effects of the flavonoid-rich blueberry drink are from research suggesting flavonoids can increase cerebral blood flow, increase neurotransmitter levels by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, and/or by increasing GABA transmission by binding to benzodiazepine receptors.
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