Add a cup of cranberries to your daily food intake because newly discovered health benefits have been proven to be cognitively exciting.
Dr David Vauzour, who is a senior research fellow in molecular nutrition at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, has led a new study that has found a direct link between the consumption of cranberries and improved memory.
Currently, there is no known cure for dementia. Therefore, it is critical that modifiable lifestyle interventions are taken, such as changes to our diet, which could help minimise the development of dementia.
Cranberries are rich in micronutrients and are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. Participants in this specific study were asked to consume a cup of cranberries each day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the consumption of cranberries significantly improved the participants’ memory, specifically visual episodic memory and neural functioning.
Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (called ‘bad’ cholesterol) in the participants’ blood. This type of cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, a condition that causes a build-up of plaque in the arteries’ inner lining, making them hard and thick. Essentially, proving that cranberries can improve vascular health as well as brain perfusion and cognition.
487,500 Australians are currently living with dementia; sadly, it is the second highest leading cause of death in Australia. The findings from this study could potentially aid in future the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.