Consuming strawberries daily for 12 weeks improves memory and reduces depressive symptoms in middle-aged, overweight adults. This improvement is linked to the anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins in strawberries, highlighting the fruit’s cognitive health benefits.
Enhancements observed in executive cognitive control and emotional coping after strawberry consumption.
A recent study published in the science journal Nutrients reveals that consuming strawberries daily for 12 weeks reduces memory interference and depressive symptoms in middle-aged, overweight adults experiencing mild cognitive decline.
Understanding Dementia and Nutritional Influence
“Dementia encompasses various incurable diseases,” says Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., principal investigator and professor at the University of Cincinnati. “The most practical approach we currently have is mitigating and preventing risks through dietary and lifestyle choices.”
Study Method and Participant Profile
This double-blind study included 5 men and 25 women. One group received a strawberry powder prepared from whole fruit, while the second group received a control powder containing fiber but no polyphenolic content. Both groups were provided with sealed packets of powder for daily consumption, and berry products were removed from their diet for the study period.
Strawberries are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber, and offer various health benefits.
Each packet of strawberry powder contained 13 grams, supplying 36.8 milligrams anthocyanins derived from 130 grams of whole fruit, equivalent to about 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Participants refrained from consuming other berry fruits, juices, and extracts during the study.
Study Goals and Target Group
“We chose a middle-aged, overweight population, as dementia develops over decades. Inflammation likely plays a role in conditions such as overweight/obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes,” explains Krikorian.
Findings and Implications
After the 12-week intervention, participants consuming the whole fruit strawberry powder made fewer memory “intrusion errors” and reported lower levels of depressive symptoms. Krikorian attributes these findings to the anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins.
Additional Nutritional Benefits of Strawberries
Aside from polyphenols, strawberries provide a rich source of bioactive compounds, vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, phytosterols, and polyphenols.
Future Directions in Polyphenol Research
“We are excited about the future of polyphenol research,” says Chris Christian, senior vice president at the California Strawberry Commission.
He highlights the link between strawberry consumption and brain health, emphasizing the associated reduced risk of Alzheimer’s dementia, as shown in clinical and population-based studies.
For more on this study, see Eating Strawberries Every Day Could Reduce Risk of Dementia.
Reference: “Early Intervention in Cognitive Aging with Strawberry Supplementation” by Robert Krikorian, Marcelle D. Shidler and Suzanne S. Summer, 18 October 2023, Nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204431
Study funded by the California Strawberry Commission
