Berries such as blueberries and strawberries can help keep the brain functional in old age – the EurekAlert website informs about the discovery of US scientists, who also deciphered the mechanism of the beneficial effects of these fruits.
One of the processes contributing to aging is the systematic deterioration of the body’s ability to defend itself against the development of inflammation and free radicals, which, as strong oxidants, harm cells. This increases the susceptibility to brain-wasting diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, but also to heart disease, malignancies and other conditions associated with old age.
However, the optimistic fact is that the natural components of our diet – polyphenols present in fruits, vegetables and nuts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect the brain from the effects of aging, said lead author Dr. Shibu Poulose of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston , an institution operating under the aegis of the US Ministry of Agriculture.
The specialist presented the results of his team’s research at the 240th meeting of the American Chemical Society, which is held in Boston.
In their previous experiences, the team of Dr. Poulose showed that in older lab rats that had been on a 2 percent diet for two months, Strawberry, blueberry or blackberry extract improved brain function and the ability to learn and remember.
Now scientists have observed that blueberries – including blueberries, strawberries and acai (South American vegetable euterpa fruit) can counteract another aging process, i.e. deteriorate the brain’s ability to remove toxic and unnecessary substances. This is a very important cause of intellectual deterioration. This may, for example, contribute to the deposition of amyloid plaques – the pathological structures typical of Alzheimer’s disease.
Normally, microglial cells function as law enforcement in the brain. In a process called autophagocytosis, these cells remove substances that could interfere with the function of neurons. However, as we age, the microglia no longer do its job well and waste begins to build up, ‘explained Dr Poulose. In addition, the microglial cells become overactive and begin to destroy healthy neurons.
In studies conducted on two groups of cells taken from mouse brains – i.e. neurons from the hippocampus, a structure involved in memory, and microglia cells – scientists showed that extracts of blueberry, strawberry and acai berry blocked proteins that inhibit the ability of microglia to cleanse the brain in the brain. the process of autophagocytosis. Thanks to this, the microglia could do its job efficiently.
This means that the benefits of eating a variety of berries are not only limited to reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals, but also the process of cleansing the brain of toxic substances.
According to Dr. Poulose, the latest research shows that the inclusion of blueberries, strawberries and other berries in your diet helps to keep the brain healthy in old age. The researcher reminded that walnuts and other fruits and vegetables, especially dark red, orange or purple, are also a rich source of polyphenols. These colors are given to them by anthocyanins belonging to polyphenols, which are good antioxidants.
The specialist emphasized that it is important to eat whole fruits, which contain hundreds of valuable substances. Frozen fruit can also be a good source of polyphenols, especially in winter.
Dr. James Joseph, who died on June 1, 2010, participated in the research. He pioneered research into the role of antioxidants in fruits and nuts in preventing age-related dementia. (PAP)