Does eating this fruit lower your dementia risk?
- Replies 10
Consuming fruit is often a key element in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
However, a recent study reveals that the benefits of this particular fruit extend beyond merely providing essential nutrients.
Remarkably, research found that it could play a crucial role in combating a widespread disease that affects 400,000 Australians every year.
Eating strawberries daily may decrease the risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati.
With over 400,000 Australians currently grappling with this condition, characterised by symptoms resulting from brain disorders, finding preventive measures is crucial.
Dementia, a debilitating disease known for causing severe memory loss, poses significant challenges for patients when performing everyday tasks, as highlighted by Dementia Australia.
The University of Cincinnati's 12-week study, published in the journal Nutrients, focused on 30 overweight patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
The participants, aged 50 to 65, were instructed to avoid regular berry consumption. However, half were provided with a daily supplement powder equivalent to one cup of whole strawberries, while the other half received a placebo.
The results revealed that those in the strawberry powder group exhibited better performance on a wordlist learning test and a notable reduction in depressive symptoms.
Professor Robert Krikorian from the UC College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience explained: ‘Both strawberries and blueberries contain
antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements.’
‘There is epidemiological data suggesting that people who consume strawberries or blueberries regularly have a slower rate of cognitive decline with ageing,’ he stated.
Dr Krikorian hypothesised that the improvement in cognitive function observed in the group that consumed the strawberries might be linked to a reduction in brain
inflammation.
He explained: ‘Executive abilities begin to decline in midlife and excess abdominal fat, as in insulin resistance and obesity, will tend to increase inflammation, including in the brain.’
‘So, one might consider that our middle-aged, overweight, prediabetic sample had higher levels of inflammation that contributed to at least mild impairment of executive abilities. Accordingly, the beneficial effects we observed might be related to moderation of inflammation in the strawberry group,’ he added.
On the other hand, Dr Krikorian further suggested that upcoming research should involve a broader participant base and explore various doses of strawberries.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your GP before making any significant changes to your routine for personalised health advice.
Members, who among you here love strawberries? What are your thoughts on this fruit potentially reducing the risk of dementia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
However, a recent study reveals that the benefits of this particular fruit extend beyond merely providing essential nutrients.
Remarkably, research found that it could play a crucial role in combating a widespread disease that affects 400,000 Australians every year.
Eating strawberries daily may decrease the risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati.
With over 400,000 Australians currently grappling with this condition, characterised by symptoms resulting from brain disorders, finding preventive measures is crucial.
Dementia, a debilitating disease known for causing severe memory loss, poses significant challenges for patients when performing everyday tasks, as highlighted by Dementia Australia.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and may soon become the primary cause, especially for women. Image source: Pixabay
The University of Cincinnati's 12-week study, published in the journal Nutrients, focused on 30 overweight patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
The participants, aged 50 to 65, were instructed to avoid regular berry consumption. However, half were provided with a daily supplement powder equivalent to one cup of whole strawberries, while the other half received a placebo.
The results revealed that those in the strawberry powder group exhibited better performance on a wordlist learning test and a notable reduction in depressive symptoms.
Professor Robert Krikorian from the UC College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience explained: ‘Both strawberries and blueberries contain
antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements.’
‘There is epidemiological data suggesting that people who consume strawberries or blueberries regularly have a slower rate of cognitive decline with ageing,’ he stated.
Dr Krikorian hypothesised that the improvement in cognitive function observed in the group that consumed the strawberries might be linked to a reduction in brain
inflammation.
He explained: ‘Executive abilities begin to decline in midlife and excess abdominal fat, as in insulin resistance and obesity, will tend to increase inflammation, including in the brain.’
‘So, one might consider that our middle-aged, overweight, prediabetic sample had higher levels of inflammation that contributed to at least mild impairment of executive abilities. Accordingly, the beneficial effects we observed might be related to moderation of inflammation in the strawberry group,’ he added.
A recent study suggests daily strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk.
Image source: Pixabay
Image source: Pixabay
On the other hand, Dr Krikorian further suggested that upcoming research should involve a broader participant base and explore various doses of strawberries.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your GP before making any significant changes to your routine for personalised health advice.
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