Carotenoids may also bolster brain function in older adults: Study

( Natural News ) Researchers from the University of Georgia have found that certain carotenoids can significantly improve brain function in older adults . In their study, which appeared in the Journal of International Neurophysical Society , the team investigated whether the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin affect cognitive function and neural efficiency using verbal learning tests. Aging is a complicated process — and one that affects each individual differently. For the most part, however, a common trend seen in most older adults is a steady decline in cognitive ability, otherwise known as cognitive impairment. This is a cause of concern for most people, as memory impairment could indicate an underlying health issue — chief of which is dementia , a severe form of cognitive decline. Indeed, having some form of decline in brain function does not immediately mean a condition such as dementia, but it could still significantly reduce the overall quality of life in older adults. Earlier studies have linked carotenoids to brain function , with some concluding that these have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can greatly benefit a person’s brain health. In particular, consuming fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of carotenoids, can prevent cell damage from oxidation, thanks to the ability of carotenoids to trap free radicals. To note, carotenoids are plant pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright red, yellow, and orange hues . Of these carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin are the more popular ones, given that the two are the only carotenoids found in the retina. The two are famous for their ability to protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, and reduce the incidence of cataracts. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the […]

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