Strawberries general

Strawberries may be able to keep age-related dementia and memory loss at bay, according to research announced at the recent 2009 Berry Health Symposium in the US.

A study presented at the symposium by the Chicago Healthy Aging Project (CHAP) demonstrated that consuming strawberries at least once a month reduced cognitive decline in older adults.

Women who consumed strawberries once a month had cognitive decline levels 16.2 per cent slower than women who consumed less, according to the study. CHAP is run by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging at Rush University in Chicago.

The effect has been accredited to the polyphenol group of chemicals contained in berries, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to a study by Dr James Joseph and Dr Barbara Shukitt-Hale of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.

One of the causes of cognitive decay is believed to be the inflammation and oxidation of nerve cell membranes in the brain. The USDA research showed a blueberry or strawberry-based diet can improve balance, motor control and memory in rats. The research was part-funded by the California Strawberry Commission.