Lovers
of natural remedies know perfectly well that, generally speaking,
colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in healthy
bioactive compounds.
Such is the case of cherry – not that sweet thing often used in pastry, but the natural version of the fruit – which protects the
brain from memory loss and dementia.
Scientists
from the Faculty
of Science, Medicine and Health of the University of Wollongong,
Australia recently found
that an anthocyanin-rich cherry juice improves several cognitive
functions such as verbal fluency and short- and long-term memory in
older adults with mild to moderate dementia. This is very good news
for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and other
neurodegenerative disorders.
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| Molecular structure of anthocyanins |
Anthocyanins
are a group of red-blue pigments found in many edible plants, such as
berries, eggplant, cherry, olives, red onion, sweet potato, raddish,
among others. These pigments neutralize free radicals that damage
neurons and prevent the formation of amyloid plaques, which are
responsible for cognitive impairment.
Consumption
of natural and fresh cherry juice for 12 weeks leads to cognitive
improvement.
You
don't have to wait until you have dementia though. Prevent
the onset of neurodegenerative disorders with regular consumption of
200 ml of cherry juice now.
It is also helpful in controlling blood pressure. Other
interesting studies have shown that consumption of whole blueberries
increases blood plasma concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BNDF), a protein that supports neuron survival and the
creation of new neuronal connections (synapses).
If
you are interested in knowing how other foods improve brain function
click here.
Source:
Kent
K, Charlton K, Roodenrys S, Batterham M, Potter J, Traynor V, Gilbert
H, Morgan O, Richards R. Consumption
of anthocyanin-rich cherry juice for 12 weeks improves memory and
cognition in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia.
European Journal of Nutrition. October 19, 2015.
