Researchers at the University of Queensland conducted a study on certain phytonutrients. They found that these phytonutrients have a positive effect on stimulating new brain cells. The basis of the research was investigating flavonoids, which are phytonutrients commonly found in fruits and vegetables.
The evidence showed that flavonoids may suppress neuroinflammation, protect brain cells against injury, and promote cognitive functioning. The scientists determined the most effective flavonoids and polyphenols are epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is found in resveratrol, red grapes, berries, and green tea.
Phytonutrients Promote Growth of New Brain Cells
The study is adding to growing evidence that points to the powerful contribution phytonutrients make to your overall health. The researchers investigated how natural compounds may become part of the environmental stimuli that impact neurological function and structure.
The scientists studied bioactive compounds found in apples because of their widespread consumption around the globe. They analyzed quercetin in apple peel and dihydroxybenzoic acid from the apple flesh. Quercetin is an abundant flavonoid in apple peel. Dihydroxybenzoic acid is not related to flavonoids but does have proneurogenic properties.
Previous studies have also examined the effects of other flavonoids like resveratrol and EGCG.
One study published in Genes & Nutrition investigated the neuroprotective actions demonstrated by flavonoids that promote learning, cognitive functions, and memory. They discovered that the positive effects come through two primary processes. First, flavonoids played a key role in signaling cascades.
Second, flavonoids improved cerebral and peripheral vascular blood flow in a way that may result in angiogenesis and production of new nerve cells in the hippocampus. This was a similar finding by the researchers analyzing quercetin. They found the generation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus.
Evidence has found that flavonoids have a direct and indirect effect on the central nervous system. They may have the ability to enhance cognitive functioning and reverse some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study showed that the neuroprotective mechanism also contributes to the quality of neurons and their connectivity.
Tea May Help Improve Brain Connections
The current study supports past evidence that drinking green tea can improve cognitive functioning. A study from the National University of Singapore used data from neuroimaging from 36 older adults. The researchers analyzed the impact tea had on the organization, function, and structure of the brain.
The participants provided data on their tea-drinking habits from age 45 to the present and then underwent an MRI. From the imaging, the researchers discovered that the participants who drank tea had better brain structure, function and organization. In addition, those who drank tea at least four times per week for at least 25 years had stronger functional connectivity.
Research evidence has also suggested that drinking green tea is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairments. One literature review of in vitro and in vivo administration of EGCG found it reduced beta-amyloid accumulation in the lab and animal models.
The Brain Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in grapes, berries, and the cacao plant. It helps the plants resist disease.
Although red wine does have some resveratrol, it is in such small amounts you can’t drink enough to get the benefits. In addition, it is important to remember that alcohol damages your organs and brain. It is a neurotoxin. Thus, drinking red wine for the benefits of resveratrol is counterproductive.
Resveratrol can cross the blood-brain barrier where it has a significant impact as an antioxidant. Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center found that resveratrol, when given to people with Alzheimer’s, appeared to “restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, reducing the ability of harmful immune molecules secreted by immune cells to infiltrate from the body into brain tissue.”
The ability to improve cerebral blood flow is likely the basis for the neuroprotective effects of improving cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance, depression, brain inflammation, and may improve learning, mood and memory.
REFERENCES
- Medical Xpress, February 11, 2021
- Genes and Nutrition, 2009;4(4)
- Oregon State University, Resveratrol, Sources/Food
- The BMJ Open, 2016;6:009892
- American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2018;12(5)
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- National Institute on Aging, September 17, 2020
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- Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2019; doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00155