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 body . 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 body, mainly in the form of sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose. Similarly, apples are 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 a reduced risk of developing different types of cancer.
Benefits of apple for memory
Recent studies have found evidence of the benefits of regular apple consumption on memory and on brain cells. This is another positive effect of an ideal food to incorporate into diets aimed at losing weight.
Golden AppleSpecifically, 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 of the apple may be involved in cognitive functions such as learning or memory.
Thus, chemical substances called phytonutrients, among which are reveratrol or epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) could offer different benefits in various areas of the body, including the brain.
For this reason, 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 promoting the production of new neurons. This study was carried out in mice.
Ideal for weight loss
Other benefits of the apple is its satiating power, ideal for losing weight thanks to the pectin, which is the substance found in the white or yellowish pulp and when it reaches the stomach, it triggers some information mechanisms that transmit to the brain the order that it is already full, so you don't feel like eating more. The presence of pectins in the diet may also have beneficial effects on blood cholesterol levels.
Rich in phytonutrients
This research work has found evidence on the possible benefits for memory of regular consumption of a healthy food such as apples. Although, it is necessary to continue investigating in this regard.
This study found that stem cells grown in the laboratory from the brains of adult mice produced more neurons and were protected from cell death when quercetin or dihydroxybezoic acid (DHBA), phytonutrients commonly found in apples, were added to cultures .
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 say that “future studies will be needed to determine if these and other phytonutrients can improve learning, memory and cognitive function in animal models and in humans.”
Although, the present investigation suggests that this type of natural compounds present in fruits such as apples can promote neurogenesis and brain function when administered in high doses.
We must bear in mind that the brain is one of the most complex areas of the body. Although, the body requires a series of essential nutrients for the development and maintenance of adequate cognitive function, which positively influence learning and memory.
