Eve’s Fruit May Slow Memory Loss

To most Eve’s fruit of temptation was an apple, according to scholars there is every reason to believe the fruit was actually a juicy and delicious pomegranate. This tempting fruit may turn out to be a brain savior, as scientists suggest it appears to put the breaks on age related memory decline. The brain tends to shrink naturally with age, many experience a little forgetfulness as they get older. However in some that decline can happen faster, and be far more serious than anticipated. Approximately 110 million older adults have a memory issue on some level, of one kind or another. It is estimated that 1 million Americans have an official case of mild cognitive impairment or MCI; meaning there is a lot of people with some form of cognitive complaint. Research from UCLA has suggested making pomegranate part of a regular dietary program may help with brain health. Animal studies have already revealed antioxidant rich pomegranates and berries can help with memory. An early double blind study showed after a month of consuming pomegranate juice human subjects had improved visual memory; and functional MRI confirmed the juice caused areas of the brain involved with visual memory to light up. In this new study 261 volunteers between the ages of 50-75 were recruited for the double blind and randomized study, with a range of cognitive abilities from normal to MCI. Subjects drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice or placebo drink without polyphenols for one year. Two kinds of memory tests were used to track results: a visual learning and retention test using geometric shapes to measure learning, total recall, and delayed recall; and a word recall test using 12 words to measure long term retrieval, total recall, and long term storage. At the end of the study those in […]

Click here to view full article