Strawberries contain a bioactive substance that protects against pathological changes in the brain.
The results of a study conducted by specialists from the Rush University Medical Center (USA), published в Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Strawberries are especially rich in pelargonidin, a plant pigment that determines their bright red color. This biologically active substance, which is also present in other berries: cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, as well as in plums and pomegranates, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The scientists hypothesized that pelargonidin could reduce inflammation in the brain by protecting it from the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, accumulations of the abnormal tau protein in brain tissue. The appearance of such tangles is one of the main signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers analyzed data from 575 Alzheimer’s patients. Of these, 120 had a very high genetic predisposition to this neurodegenerative disease. For almost two decades, since 1997, patients have provided detailed information about their diet, as well as taking standard cognitive ability tests annually. After the patients died, the researchers were given the opportunity to study their brains.
In the end, it was found that participants with the maximum consumption of strawberries and, accordingly, pelargonidin, had significantly less neurofibrillary tangles and accumulations of another abnormal protein, beta-amyloid, in brain tissue than those who ate very few berries. True, this effect was observed only in patients without a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the role of pelargonidin in the prevention of Alzheimer’s requires further study, it is already possible to start eating more strawberries and other berries to benefit your brain, the researchers note.
Fruits and berries are very useful, they not only contain many vitamins, but also help to cool down on a hot day. In the gallery, check out 16 foods that will help you cool down when the air temperature exceeds 30 degrees:
Read also: 15 products that will make you more beautiful. Don’t miss the video:
<div class="article__item article__item_alignment_left article__item_embed article__item_source_viqeo" content="
” source=”viqeo” data-logger=”ArticleContent_embed_viqeo”>