An apple a day to keep aging brains sharp

You’ve heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, new research may not only have proven the truth of the adage but done so with a bang… especially when it comes to aging brains.

In fact, according to a study from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, the phytonutrients found in apples could hold the key to fueling brain stem cells and supporting the growth of neurons in areas related to learning and memory.

As effective as exercise for neurogenesis

The study, performed in mice, took two approaches.

First, the researchers placed hippocampal precursor cells in petri dishes and flooded them with phytonutrient extracts from apples. Basically, this means they took some of the brain cells most closely associated with memory function and tested whether apple-derived nutrients could make them grow.

And the answer to that question was a resounding YES!

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Stem cell generation of new neurons, or brain cells, (a process called neurogenesis) went into high gear and fewer brain cells died.

Next, the team confirmed these results in living mice. And once again, the power of those phytonutrients was impressive.

Not only were many more nerve cells produced, but the stem cells themselves also multiplied! Specifically, they found that the areas of the brain where those stem and nerve cells were growing at higher rates included the hippocampus.

Why is this important?

Because that’s the area of your brain you use for memory, learning and navigation!

In other words, it’s the area of your brain where you need cell growth to support healthy, youthful cognition and coordination as the years pass.

And those phytonutrients delivered.

Here’s another little bonus…

The researchers say the results they observed in the brain, simply by adding these healthy compounds, were similar to the nerve cell growth seen after exercise — but without the sweat!

In research conducted at the University of British Columbia and reported in 2014, a team of experts found that in older women with probable mild cognitive impairment, regular aerobic exercise increased the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in learning and verbal memory. Muscle toning, balance, and resistance training exercise did not yield the same results — but it looks like eating apples regularly could!

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Abundant in fruits and vegetables

When asked about the results, the researchers wrote, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away. There may be some truth to this aphorism.”

Especially since this isn’t the first study to demonstrate the power of those phytonutrients.

In fact, other famous phytonutrient compounds, such as resveratrol from red grapes or epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea, have been shown to have positive effects on various parts of the body, including the brain.

Yup, keeping your brain sharp could be as simple as adding more phytonutrients to your diet. Not a fan of apples? That’s ok. You can find phytonutrients in many other fruits and veggies, such as:

• Apples
• Berries
• Kale
• Spinach
• Grapes
• Broccoli

Or make your life simple and ensure you’re getting enough of those phytonutrients, even when your daily diet is less than perfect, by using a supplement with a superfruit powder mix. And of course, resveratrol supplements are readily available

Maybe the saying should actually be “Get your phytonutrients each day to keep brain aging at bay!”

Sources:

Compounds From Apples May Boost Brain Function — NeuroscienceNews.com

Studies Find Apple Compounds Boost Neurogenesis, May Improve Brain Function — Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News

Compounds from apples may boost brain function — EurekAlert!