A philosopher once said that we are what we eat. It’s no wonder that what we put into our bodies directly impacts our general health — meaning, the better we eat, the better we are likely to feel. For years, doctors, dietitians, naturopaths, and scientists have studied and weighed the effects of different foods on our bodily systems. In research’s latest discovery, studies found that daily consumption of strawberries reduced interference in memory and depressive symptoms among middle-aged adults with mild cognitive decline. In other words, eating a strawberry a day could play a significant role in dementia prevention!
Strawberries Have The Ingredients For Dementia Prevention
The results of this study highlighted how strawberries carry one of the highest levels of anthocyanins, an anti-inflammatory component our brains crave. Anthocyanins play a very special role in protecting neurons against degeneration and keeping the brain’s molecular structure nice and strong.
Reducing inflammation is especially important when considering different options for dementia prevention. According to one pathological study, inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves can increase the risk of dementia. Therefore, strawberries potentially make up a strong defense in dementia prevention, especially considering they carry a full serving size of our body’s daily need for vitamin C.
Like anthocyanins, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant most would recognize as the key to treating and preventing the common cold. However, what many might not know is that low levels of vitamin C have been linked to an increased risk of memory loss, while a high intake of vitamin C from supplements and foods (like strawberries!) has been shown to have a protective effect.
Scientific Fact? Or Just Another Wives’ Tale?
Since there is still not enough evidence to prove that the right diet can be the sole contributor to dementia prevention, scientists are continuing to make strides in breaking down just how much of an effect our food choices have on our bodies. Based on their studies, both past and on-going, here are some *additional reasons to encourage adding some strawberries to your next meal:
May lower inflammation
Reduces heart disease risk
Boosts brain health
*According to EatingWell
Enhances digestion
Aids blood sugar control
Supports healthy skin
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
