New research from the University of East Anglia in the UK reveals that eating a small bowl of cranberries every day could help ward off dementia and improve cognitive performance.
Medical Xpress reported that the team wanted to know the benefits of consuming a cup of powdered cranberries a day among older adults aged 50 to 80. They found that adding cranberries to the diet improves memory and lowers bad cholesterol. Researchers say that the study highlights the neuroprotective properties of cranberries.
Cranberries Help Improve Memory
There is currently no known cure for dementia, which will likely affect around 152 million by 2050. It is why it is crucial to find modifiable lifestyle interventions, particularly diet, to help lessen the risk of developing neurodevelopmental diseases, according to lead researcher Dr. David Vauzour.
Previous studies have shown that foods high in flavonoids are associated with a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline, while foods rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins have been found to improve cognition.
Since cranberries are rich in these micronutrients and have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, the team tested whether cranberries could also reduce the risk of developing age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
MailOnline reported that the team asked half of the 60 participants to consume freeze-dried cranberry powder, equivalent to 100g of cranberry fruit, a day for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the other half were given a placebo.
People who have suffered from previous illnesses and conditions or were smokers were not part of the study.
The research is the first to examine the long-term benefits of eating cranberry on brain health in humans.
The MRI scans of those in the first group significantly improved their visual episodic memory, neural functioning, and delivery of blood in the brain. Dr. Vauzour added that it also improved the circulation of oxygen and other essential nutrients to important brain parts responsible for cognition, specifically memory consolidation and retrieval.
Daily Intake of Cranberries Also Reduced Bad Cholesterol
Aside from improving memory and cognitive function, Yahoo! News reported that blood tests of the participants who took cranberries daily also showed reduced LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Their LDL levels dropped from 3.5 to 3.2 mmol/L, while the placebo group only dropped from 3.4 to 3.3 mmol/L.
LDL cholesterol is known to contribute to cardiovascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis or the thickening of the arteries due to the buildup of plaques in the inner lining of the artery.
Researchers said that the findings of the study support the idea that cranberries improve vascular health and contribute to the improvement of blood flow in the brain to improve cognition. Vauzour described the study as a significant step in the field, especially given that 12 weeks is a relatively short period to see significant improvements in memory and neural function.
"This establishes an important foundation for future research in the area of cranberries and neurological health," the news outlet quoted Dr. Vauzour.
Cranberry Institute funded the study titled "Chronic Consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) For 12 Weeks Improves Episodic Memory and Regional Brain Perfusion in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Study," published in Frontiers Nutrition.
RELATED ARTICLE: No to Dementia: Drink Red Wine, Eat Dark Chocolates and Other Flavonoid-Rich Foods
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