Spinach, blueberries and the blue-green algae Spirulina may decrease brain damage caused from strokes and help the brain combat Parkinson?s disease.
Researchers tested the foods? effects on neurological diseases and brain cell degeneration associated with aging by feeding lab animals enriched diets and then measuring their brains? responses to Parkinson?s disease and stroke.
“We are creating healthier situations with these foods where our brains can respond to diseases more easily and repair themselves more easily,” said Dr. Paula Bickford, lead investigator. “We know fruits and vegetables intervene in brain diseases in animals, and we hope it will in humans, but we can?t make that claim yet.”
Bickford spoke about the direct connection between brain health and foods high in antioxidants in Baltimore at the Natural Products East Expo.
Bickford?s team also learned spinach, blueberries and Spirulina may improve memory and shorten the amount of time it takes older adults to learn.
One study conducted by Bickford?s team is “similar to parking a car and trying to remember where it is later in the day.” Older animals on the enhanced diet significantly improved their ability to remember, Bickford said.
Health food storeowners, manufacturers and nutritionists attended the Expo Thursday.
“We sell these products and are aware of their benefits, but it?s always good to hear it straight from researchers and manufacturers,” said Edith Plante, an employee of a Canadian whole foods store, Naturally Yours.
“We come to see how the industry is changing, where we?ll go with our stores and what we?ll put on our shelves,” said John Guillano from Fountain of Youth, based in New Jersey.
Local companies attending the Expo included Ultimate Seasonings and Baltimore-based Chemspec.
“All of our seasonings and plantain chips are made without preservatives or additives. It?s all about eating healthy,” said Julie Ndjee, spokesperson for Ultimate Seasonings.
“We want to change the science of cleaning with natural ingredients that are safe around children and pets,” Chemspec spokesperson Jeff Kredenweis said.
