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More Evidence Shows Natural Plant Compound May Reduce Mental Effects of Aging

  • July 12, 2017

Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences have found that an antioxidant in strawberries reduces cognitive deficits and inflammation associated with aging, Salk reports. While the study was conducted on mice, researchers believe that the compound, fisetin, might help treat age-related human mental decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s or stroke.

The health benefits of all kinds of berries are practically indisputable, and this study with strawberries further confirms that antioxidants in berries are good for us. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blackberries are all known as some of the world’s best dietary sources of health-boosting bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, flavonols, ellagic acid and resveratrol.

As shown by Salk, one of the most game-changing properties of berries is their antioxidant power, which helps keep free radicals in check and fights inflammation. Berries also improve your blood sugar and insulin response, may protect against cancer and have lots of fiber, including insoluble fiber, which slows the rate at which food moves through your colon and in turn diminishes hunger.

Unfortunately, strawberries also top the list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce; 98 percent of samples tested contained at least one detectable pesticide residue. (Other heavily contaminated fruits and vegetables include apples, nectarines, peaches and celery.) This is why it’s vitally important to make sure your berries — and all your foods — are always organic. That means checking for organic labels at the grocer’s and asking sellers at your local farmers markets whether they use pesticides in growing their berries.

Finally, if you know you have been exposed to pesticides, eat fermented foods like kimchi. The lactic acid bacteria formed during the fermentation of kimchi may help your body break down pesticides.