Reference Number: 347
Year: 2015
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Dementia
Inclusions: Dates | Fig | Pomegranates
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating age-related neurodegenerative disease with no specific treatment at present. The APPsw/Tg2576 mice exhibit age-related deterioration in memory and learning as well as amyloid-beta (A?) accumulation, and this mouse strain is considered an effective model for studying the mechanism of accelerated brain aging and senescence. The present study was aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of dietary supplements pomegranate, figs, or the dates on suppressing inflammatory cytokines in APPsw/Tg2576 mice. Changes in the plasma cytokines and A?, ATP, and inflammatory cytokines were investigated in the brain of transgenic mice. Significantly enhanced levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1?, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, TNF-? and Eotaxin activity were decreased by administration of the diet supplements containing pomegranates, figs, or dates. In addition, putative delays in the formation of senile plaques, as indicated by a decreasing tendency of brain A?1-40 and A?1-42 contents, were observed. Thus, novel results mediated by reducing inflammatory cytokines during aging may represent one mechanism by which these supplements exert their beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
What does this mean for a Baker?
This is a very interesting study which highlights the importance of including pomegranates, figs and dates in our diets. Due to these three fruits being high in polyphenol content, they have good antioxidant activity. this means that they are able to offer a reduction in levels of inflammation seen in the brain in those suffering from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Why not try adding more figs, dates and pomegranates to your sourdough bakes? Try making this Fig, Honey and Vanilla Sourdough or this Sourdough Date and Walnut Bread and Butter Pudding.
