They could slow the ageing process and delay the onset of debilitating cognitive symptoms.
Blueberries, strawberries and walnuts could help protect the brain from the consequences of ageing, new research finds.
The antioxidants in both can help fight age-related changes in the brain like the loss of synapses.
Dr James Joseph, who led the research on walnuts, said:
“The good news, is that it appears that compounds found in fruits and vegetables — and, as we have shown in our research, walnuts — may provide the necessary protection to prevent the demise of cognitive and motor function in aging.”
Dr Joseph’s study involved feeding older rats with varying amounts of walnuts.
The research found that the walnuts helped to reduce both cognitive and motor problems that the mice had naturally developed with age.
Dr Joseph said:
“Importantly, this information, coupled with our previous studies, shows that the addition of walnuts, berries, and grape juice to the diet may increase ‘health span’ in aging and provide a ‘longevity dividend’ or economic benefit for slowing the aging process by reducing the incidence and delaying the onset of debilitating degenerative disease.”
The study was published in the journal The Journal of Nutrition (Joseph et al., 2009).
Image credit: Liz Jones
