A recent small study investigated whether cranberries due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could reduce age-related cognitive decline, ending up with dementia.

In the study 60 cognitively healthy participants aged between 50 and 80 years, were divided into two groups. One of them ate freeze-dried cranberry powder, equivalent to 100g of fresh cranberries, daily for 12 weeks. The other half consumed a placebo.

Researchers found that the participants from the ‘cranberry’ group showed significantly improved visual episodic memory (memory of the everyday events) together with improved circulation of essential nutrients such as oxygen and glucose to important parts of the brain that support cognition—specifically memory consolidation and retrieval. As we know, both memory issues and decreased circulation within the brain are the main features of different types of dementia.

The cranberry group also had a significant decrease in ‘bad’ cholesterol levels (LDL) that contribute to the build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery, leading to the thickening or hardening of the arteries. This is another big contribution of cranberries to your heart- and brain health.

These findings are remarkable. Just think about it for a minute. Adding 100g fresh cranberries or freeze-dried cranberry powder to your diet for only 12 weeks can lead to the significant improvements in brain health! This is especially valuable considering the fact that there is no cure for dementia and such a simple change to your diet can make a difference!

Curious? HERE is the source