The apple is one of the most appropriate fruits for health, due to its high nutritional value and all the benefits it generates in the organism. In this context, different studies have been able to determine how this food offers positive effects for learning and memory.
This type of fruit provides carbohydrates to the organism, mainly in the form of sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose. Apples are also a fruit that contains significant amounts of fiber.
In addition, apples stand out mainly for their high content of flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that have been associated with the reduction of the risk of developing different types of cancer.
Benefits of apples for memory
Recent studies have found evidence of the benefits of regular apple consumption on memory and brain cells. This is another positive effect of an ideal food to incorporate in weight loss diets.
Specifically, this research work has been published in the journal ‘Stem Cell Reports’, whose authors claim that apples contain natural compounds that can promote the production of new brain cells.
In this sense, these natural compounds in apples may be involved in cognitive functions such as learning or memory.
Thus, chemical substances called phytonutrients, including reveratrol or epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could offer different benefits in various areas of the organism, including the brain.
Therefore, researchers from the University of Queensland (Australia) and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (Germany), found high concentrations of these phytonutrients in apples, capable of favoring the production of new neurons. This study was carried out in mice.
Rich in phytonutrients
This research work has found evidence of the possible memory benefits of regular consumption of a healthy food such as apples. However, more research is needed.
The study found that laboratory-grown stem cells from adult mouse brains produced more neurons and were protected from cell death when quercetin or dihydroxybetazoic acid (DHBA), phytonutrients commonly found in apples, were added to the culture.
Subsequently, new tests in mice determined that in the different structures of the adult brain linked to learning and memory, the stem cells multiplied.
Thus, the researchers were able to observe how a greater number of neurons were generated when the mice received high doses of phytonutrients such as quercetin or DHBA.
Finally, the researchers state that “future studies will be needed to determine whether these and other phytonutrients can improve learning, memory and cognitive function in animal models and in humans”.
However, the present research suggests that these types of natural compounds present in fruits such as apples can promote neurogenesis and brain function when administered in high doses.
It should be noted that the brain is one of the most complex areas of the organism. However, the organism requires a series of essential nutrients for the development and maintenance of an adequate cognitive function, which positively influences learning and memory.
