Older adults who frequently consume cranberries as part of their diet have seen improvements in episodic memory, neural function, and brain perfusion.
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With the addition redberry to your diet could help improve memory and brain function and lower the cholesterol “Bad”: these are the results according to new research.
This study highlights the neuroprotective potential of cranberries. The research team studied the benefits of consuming the equivalent of one cup of cranberries per day between the ages of 50 and 80.
Lead researcher, Dr. David Vauzour, of the Norwich Medical School UEA said:
Dementia is projected to affect approximately 152 million people by 2050. There is no known cure, so it is crucial to look for modifiable lifestyle interventions, such as diet, that could help reduce the risk and burden of disease.
Past studies have shown that higher intake of flavonoids in the diet is associated with slower rates of cognitive decline and dementia. And foods rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins have been found to improve cognition.
Blueberries are rich in these micronutrients, and have been recognized for theirs antioxidant properties e anti-inflammatory.
(Read also: Cranberries: New Study Reveals Incredible Benefits If You Eat 100 Grams A Day)
I study
The research team studied the impact of 12-week cranberry consumption on brain function and cholesterol among 60 cognitively healthy participants.
Half of the participants consumed freeze-dried cranberry powder, equivalent to one cup or 100g of fresh cranberries, every day. The other half consumed a placebo.
The study is one of the first to examine cranberries and their long-term impact on cognition, and on brain health in humans.
The results showed that consuming these fruits significantly improved the participants’ memory, neural functioning, and blood delivery to the brain (brain perfusion).
The group that consumed cranberries also showed significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels or ‘bad’, known to contribute to atherosclerosis, the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
The results of this study are very encouraging, especially since they show that even the consumption of cranberries for a relatively short period of time can produce significant health improvements.
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Source: Frontiers
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