EATING strawberries could slash your risk of dementia, a study shows.
Feasting on Britain’s favourite fruit every day can help reduce chances of the brain-eating disease, US researchers found.
Dr Robert Krikorian, of the University of Cincinnati, said strawberries — as well as blueberries — are high in naturally occurring disease-fighting chemicals called antioxidants.
He said: “Strawberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements.
“There is epidemiological data suggesting that people who consume strawberries or blueberries regularly have a slower rate of cognitive decline with ageing.
“This study assessed whether strawberry consumption might improve cognitive performance and metabolic health in this population and, if so, whether there might be an association between cognitive enhancement and reduced metabolic disturbance.”
Around 944,000 Brits are currently living with dementia and experts predict the numbers will exceed one million by the end of the decade.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of the condition, and is thought to be caused by build-ups of proteins in the brain, including tau and amyloid.
There is currently no cure for the disease, although three promising drugs to slow down its progress are currently in trials.
In the meantime, experts say focusing on how to improve your lifestyle is the best way to fight the disease.
The study, published in the journal Nutrients, looked at how eating strawberries can affect people’s brain power as they age.
Some 30 overweight adults aged 50 to 65 with mild cognitive decline — which can come before dementia — took part in the research.
They were asked not to eat any berries for 12 weeks apart from a packet of supplement powder they would mix at breakfast.
Half had the equivalent of one cup of whole strawberries, while the other got a placebo.
The strawberry-eating group showed signs of less confusion by the end of the 12 weeks.
Dr Krikorian said: “The findings support the notion that strawberry supplementation has a role in dementia risk reduction when introduced in midlife.”
1. Wholegrains
Three or more servings a day
2. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, spring greens, kale and salad leaves
One or more servings a day
3. Other vegetables
One or more servings a day
4. Nuts
On most days
5. Beans and lentils
Three or more servings a week
6. Chicken or turkey
Two or more servings a week
7. Fish
One or more servings a week
8. Olive oil
As the main oil or fat you use
9. Wine
No more than one small glass a day – more than this and it becomes more likely to harm health than help it
Source: The British Heart Foundation
