Consuming a cup of cranberries every day can improve memory, slow down the development of dementia and reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol, according to a study by scientists from the British University “East Anglia”.
They looked at the benefits of eating roughly 100 grams of cranberries per day in people aged 50 to 80, and they hope that their findings can help prevent neurological illnesses like dementia from developing.
“By 2050, it is estimated that 152 million individuals worldwide would suffer from dementia. Because there is no known cure for the disease, it is critical to explore for other methods to help minimize the chance of it developing, such as nutrition and exercise “Dr. David Vazur of Norwich School of Medicine, part of the University of Norwich in the East of England, was the study’s principal author.
Previous research has linked a higher flavonoid intake in the diet to a slower loss in cognitive capacities and the development of dementia. “They are high in these micronutrients and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. That’s why we wanted to learn more about how cranberries can help slow the aging process’ neurological effects “Vazur explained.
Over a 12-week period, the researchers studied the effects of cranberry consumption on brain function and cholesterol levels in 60 healthy adults.
Dried cranberry powder, equivalent to a cup or 100 g of fresh cranberries, was ingested by half of the participants on a daily basis. Half of the participants were given a placebo. This is one of the first studies to look into the long-term effects of cranberries on people’s cognitive ability and the health of their brains.
The findings revealed that cranberry eating increased individuals’ memory while coping with ordinary occurrences (visual episodic memory), neural structure functioning, and blood transport to the brain (brain perfusion).
“We discovered a significant improvement in episodic memory in participants who consumed cranberry powder on a daily basis, as well as improved circulation of essential nutrients like oxygen and glucose to important parts of the brain important for cognitive processes, particularly memory consolidation. and a considerable drop in LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis, the thickening or hardening of the arteries produced by plaque deposition in the internal mucosa of the artery “the British expert stated.
He went on to say that the findings of their study are quite optimistic, especially given the fact that it was completed in only 12 weeks. The findings could serve as a foundation for future study into the effects of cranberries and other berries on brain health.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia partnered with researchers from the Medical Center of the University of Leiden (Netherlands), the University of Parma (Italy), and the British Quadram Institute.
