We now know the protective effects of cranberry against recurrent urinary tract infections. A new British study, published in the journal Frontiers in nutritionsuggests that this small red berry rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, would also have protective effects against Alzheimer’s disease.
For this study, researchers at the University of Norwich (Great Britain) conducted a placebo-controlled trial for 12 weeks in about sixty adults aged 50 to 80 years. The latter consumed freeze-dried cranberry powder every day (the equivalent of a cup of small berries). The researchers carried out a cognitive evaluation (memory and executive function tests), performed an MRI and blood tests before and after cranberry consumption, to assess the impact of daily cranberry consumption on cognition, brain function and biomarkers of neuronal signaling.
Their findings indicate that regular, daily consumption of cranberries for at least three months “enhances episodic memory performance (that which relates to everyday events) and neural functioning, providing a basis for future investigations aimed at determining the efficacy in the context of neurological diseases”. These results are considered “very encouraging” by the researchers, especially since the experiment lasted only 12 weeks and this suggests other significant improvements in memory if this consumption lasted over a longer period.
Only downside recognized by scientists: the experiment was conducted on healthy adults and not on people already suffering from cognitive disorders.
Source : Chronic Consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 Weeks Improves Episodic Memory and Regional Brain Perfusion in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Feasibility StudyFrontiers in nutrition, May 2022
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