- Freepik/jcomp
Jakarta – A study from the University of Cincinnati, United States (US) by Robert Krikorian and his team revealed that consuming one cup of strawberries every day can prevent from depression in adults and middle-aged people who are overweight with mild cognitive decline.
"Because we don't know when an effective treatment for dementia disease will be available, prevention and management through diet and lifestyle changes are currently the best options," he said, in a study published in the Journal Nutrient, on Friday.
Krikorian and his team conducted research on five male participants and 25 female participants for a randomized controlled trial.
These participants were then divided into two groups.
Stroberi.
- Pixabay
One group was given powder from fresh strawberries that had been dried and ground. The other group was given a placebo powder that looked and tasted identical to the strawberry powder.
Both groups were allowed to consume the powder by dissolving it in water or as a breakfast mix.
The powder was divided into several servings to be consumed daily with the aim of maintaining the daily dose. One bag containing 13 grams of strawberry powder contained 36.8 mg of anthocyanins.
Participants were also asked to stop consuming berries, juices, and so on during the research process.
"This study looked at the possibility that strawberry consumption would improve cognitive ability and metabolic health. And if so, whether there is a link between cognitive improvement and decreased metabolic disorders," Krikorian explained.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found that those who consumed strawberry powder made fewer 'intrusion errors' in a word list task.
This is relevant in the identification of cognitive decline, as is often the case with aging and dementia. Participants who consumed strawberry powder also reported lower levels of depressive symptoms, indicating improved emotional control.
The researchers believe that this is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins contained in strawberries. Anthocyanins are known to have health benefits such as improving metabolism and cognition.
There is epidemiological data stating that people who consume strawberries or other berries regularly have lower rates of cognitive decline as they age.
Buah stroberi.
- Pixabay/Engin_Akyurt
The researchers added that the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of eating strawberries have been widely studied. However, there has been little research on the cognitive effects of eating strawberries for humans.
"This study assessed whether strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and metabolic health in human populations and, if found to be true, whether there is an association between cognitive improvement and decreased metabolic disorders," she stated.
Alongside anthocyanins, strawberry also contain the added micronutrient ellagic acid, a natural organic compound that has been shown to inhibit several types of cancer.
Ellagic acid in strawberry is found in the seeds and pulp, but the highest concentration is found in the leaves.
Strawberries and other plants produce ellagic acid, and glucose to form ellagitanin, a water-soluble compound that is more easily absorbed by humans in their diet.
Strawbery also contain polyphenols that act as antioxidants. These compounds are beneficial for preventing cell damage caused by free radicals and boosting the immune system.
In addition, one cup of strawberries contains vitamin C for your daily intake and contains heart-healthy nutrients such as folate, potassium, fiber, and phytosterols.
