What Happens When People Over 65 Eat Strawberries Regularly... "Surprising Effects"

San Diego State University Research Team Publishes Paper
Strawberries Improve Cognitive Function and Lower Blood Pressure in the Elderly

A study has found that strawberries can enhance cognitive processing speed and antioxidant capacity in the elderly, as well as lower blood pressure.

A research team from San Diego State University in the United States recently published a paper with these findings in the international cardiovascular journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

According to the paper, elderly individuals who consume strawberries showed increased cognitive processing speed, reduced systolic blood pressure, and improved antioxidant capacity.

The research team conducted a study with 35 healthy adults aged 65 and older, having them consume either strawberry powder or a control group with similar nutritional components for 8 weeks. After a 4-week washout period, the groups were crossed over and consumed the alternate supplement for another 8 weeks.

The results showed that the strawberry intake group experienced increased brain cognitive processing speed, decreased blood pressure, and enhanced antioxidant function. In contrast, the control group showed an increase in triglyceride levels.

The research team stated, “Components in strawberries such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins likely contributed significantly to improving cognitive function and cardiovascular health in the elderly.”

However, the team noted, “This study was conducted on healthy elderly individuals,” and added that further research is needed to determine whether the same effects would be observed in people with cardiovascular diseases or cognitive decline.

Meanwhile, in January, a research team from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the United States released findings that strawberries may reduce the risk of dementia.

The team conducted a study on 30 overweight men and women aged 50 to 65 experiencing mild cognitive impairment. After administering memory tests and tracking mood, depression levels, and metabolic status, the group consuming strawberries performed better on memory tests and showed lower levels of depressive symptoms.