Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center found that eating strawberries daily improves cognitive performance and reduces the risk of dementia. Research results published In the nutrition magazine.
Five men and 25 women aged 50 to 65 with moderate cognitive impairment participated in the study. Cognitive function (the ability to understand, learn and process external information) is impaired due to a disease such as dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientists collected information about the subjects’ health status and took blood samples from them. Then the participants were divided into two groups. The first group ate dried powdered strawberries for breakfast, and the second group took a placebo with the same taste and smell.
At the end of 12 weeks, participants completed cognitive tests. Subjects who consumed strawberries performed better than those in the placebo group. In addition, strawberries improved the mental health of subjects in the first group; volunteers noted a reduction in symptoms of depression.
Researchers noted that the improvement in cognitive performance may be due to the fact that strawberries are rich in polyphenols. This is a group of bioactive compounds that are natural antioxidants. More research is needed to find out exactly how these substances reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Previously found A fungal infection that causes changes in the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease.