Recent Research Supports Anthocyanin Rich Cherry Juice for Memory Enhancement

Age related memory decline does not have to be inevitable. In fact, some believe that by simply changing one’s diet, cognitive support can be significantly achieved. This would include high consumption of live, unprocessed fruits and vegetables capable of delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds to the brain.

Recent research supports anthocyanin rich cherry juice for memory enhancement as one choice for cognitive support.

Memory Impairment

Forgetting your keys; being unable to remember where you put your phone; forgetting names or places; these are all “normal” occurrences many people occasionally experience but soon get over. However, as we age, these scenarios seem to increase and for some it can be a sign of the potential for something more serious. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association reports that,

“An estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease in 2015. This number includes an estimated 5.1 million people age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.”

Consuming a diet rich in anthocyanins may be a helpful tool in staving off basic memory challenges or possibly more serious afflictions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

A Molecular Dynamo

Anthocyanins are flavonoids (plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects) responsible for the unique coloring of various fruits, vegetables, cereal grains and flowers. They have been found to contain over 600 molecular structures that work to not only produce these colors but, when ingested, could offer some dynamic health benefits.

According to anthocyanin research published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology (12/1/04),

“Demonstrable benefits include protection against liver injuries; significant reduction of blood pressure; improvement of eyesight; strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities; inhibition of mutations caused by mutagens from cooked food; and suppression of proliferation of human cancer cells….the consumption of anthocyanins may play a significant role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases.”

A Historical Path

It turns out that anthocyanins have been considerably used throughout history in everything from ancient medicine to natural food colorant additives today.

North American Indians, Europeans and Chinese have exhibited traditional herbal medicines which contained anthocyanins derived from berries, seeds, dried leaves and storage roots.

These medicinal compounds and age-old mixtures were used to treat,

“conditions as diverse as hypertension, pyrexia, liver disorders, dysentery and diarrhea, urinary problems including kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and the common cold. They have even been purported to yield improvements to vision and blood circulation.” (National Library of Medicine)

Current Research

A consortium of Australian researchers conducted a study titled, ‘Consumption of anthocyanin-rich cherry juice for 12 weeks improves memory and cognition in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia’ which was recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition (10/19/15).

In addition to cognitive results, it turns out that the study showed that anthocyanin may peripherally reduce high blood pressure and possibly act as an anti-inflammatory, however studies continue regarding this effect.

Results of this study were reported as,

“Improvements in verbal fluency, short-term memory and long-term memory were found in the cherry juice group. A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a trend for diastolic blood pressure reduction was evident in the intervention group.”

The study concluded that,

“Inclusion of an anthocyanin-rich beverage may be a practical and feasible way to improve total anthocyanin consumption in older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia, with potential to improve specific cognitive outcomes.”

Just 300 ml (a little over 1 cup) of cherry juice may be all it takes on a daily basis to strengthen memory as well as reduce blood pressure.

A recipient of an inaugural IHMRI Summer Scholarship for Dementia Research in 2011/12, UOW School of Health Sciences student Katherine Caldwell comments on her work regarding cherry juice,

“These preliminary results are exciting and support the theory that the absorption of anthocyanins, or their metabolites, impacts on the activity of nitric oxide which, in turn, relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure,”

Other Cherry Juice Benefits

It turns out that the sweet beverage of cherry juice is highly underrated. Not only has it been shown to enhance memory and lower blood pressure but it also contains several other benefits. Medical Daily reports that cherry juice may help lower the risk of colon cancer, improve sleep, lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and may help ease arthritis.

Try a daily cup of organic, non-sugar infused, pure cherry juice for the potential to experience these health benefits. It may be the best beverage for your health to date.