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Could pomegranate be the next brain food?
The link between diet and dementia is well-documented, and now researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the US National Institute on Aging have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts may improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
These foods contain a substance called urolithin A, a compound produced by gut bacteria.
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“Our studies in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease show that Urolithin A, a substance found naturally in pomegranate, can reduce memory loss and other symptoms of dementia,” Wilhelm Bohr, visiting professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen, said in a press release.
Researchers have found that eating more pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts may improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease. (iStock)
In patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, the brain has trouble clearing weak mitochondria, which build up and impair brain function.
The researchers found that Utricin A was shown to clear weakened mitochondria from the brain and restore cognitive function.
The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia.
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Researchers are unsure how much of the substance is needed to get good results.
“We can't say for sure how much to consume, but I would imagine people would consume more than one pomegranate a day,” Bohr said.
“But the substance is already available in tablet form and we are currently trying to find the right dosage.”
Pomegranate contains urolithin A, a compound produced by gut bacteria that has been shown to improve memory and brain function. (iStock)
Ideally, Utricin A could be used as a safe way to prevent neurological diseases, he noted.
“The advantage of using natural substances is that there is a reduced risk of side effects,” he said.
“Clinical trials with Urolithin A have shown it is effective in muscle disease, so now we need to look at Alzheimer's disease.”
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Based on the “promising results” seen in the mouse model, the researchers plan to conduct clinical trials in humans.
Tanya Freilich, a registered dietitian in Charlotte, North Carolina, was not involved in the study but commented on its findings.
“Long-term administration of Urolithin A significantly improved learning, memory and olfactory function (sense of smell) in mice,” she told Fox News Digital.
“The advantage of using natural substances is that there is a reduced risk of side effects.”
“As a nutritionist, I always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.”
Because the research is still very new and has so far only been done in mice, Freilich noted that the results “cannot be definitively extrapolated to humans.”
She added: “I would definitely recommend to anyone that adding pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to their diet is a great idea.”
“I would definitely recommend that anyone add pomegranates, strawberries and walnuts to their diet,” the nutritionist said. (iStock)
“They're whole, unprocessed, extremely nutritious foods that are rich in antioxidants and, in the case of walnuts, omega-3s.”
Freilich noted that unless you have an allergy or some other specific reason, these foods are unlikely to cause harm if consumed in normal amounts.
Other foods recommended for brain health, according to Freilich, include adequate dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, olive oil), green leafy vegetables, berries, and legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas).
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Maintaining at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week and keeping the brain active through activity and community participation may also help ease the symptoms of Alzheimer's, the nutritionist added.
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Erin Palinski Wade, a New Jersey-based nutritionist and author of “Belly Fat Diet For Dummies,” who was also not involved in the study, said the “promising” results support other research that has found links between pomegranate and improved cognition and memory.
“While more research is needed to determine how much pomegranate is needed to improve cognitive function, even adding small amounts to your diet may have a positive effect on your overall health,” the nutritionist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“While more research is needed to determine how much is needed to improve cognitive function, even adding small amounts of pomegranate to your diet may have a positive impact on your overall health,” she told Fox News Digital.
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Pomegranates are also rich in antioxidants and fiber, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk of future disease, Palinski Wade noted.
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“Adding pomegranate seeds to salads, smoothies, yogurt, or blending them into 100% pomegranate juice is a great addition to your diet and an easy way to increase your overall intake of brain-beneficial nutrients,” the nutritionist said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the study researchers and the Alzheimer's Association for comment.