Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found the berry may help older adults combat depression.
The study included 30 adults aged 50 to 65—mostly women—in a 12-week trial. All participants had mild cognitive impairment and a body mass index that categorized them as overweight.
The neurobiology team wanted to know whether eating strawberries could improve cognitive function and metabolic health in this group. They also wanted to see whether improvements in cognition might be linked to reductions in metabolic problems, said Dr. Robert Krikorian, the study’s lead author.
For two weeks before the trial, participants avoided all berries. During the 12-week study, they received either a 13-gram daily powdered supplement made from real strawberries or a placebo.
Before and after the study, researchers assessed participants’ cognitive performance with tests that measured word recall, long-term memory, and mood. They also tracked the volunteers’ metabolic data, as reported by Science Alert.
Those who consumed the strawberry powder daily retained information better than the placebo group. Participants in the placebo group performed worse on a delayed-recognition test that measures memory interference.
Participants who took the strawberry powder also reported fewer depressive symptoms and improved mood.
A 2022 study by the same team found that daily blueberries reduced memory impairment.
“Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which can support metabolism and cognitive function,” said Dr. Krikorian.
However, the new study found no metabolic changes. Earlier research showed metabolic improvements, like lower insulin levels; the team suggested a larger daily strawberry dose might be needed to see those effects.
The neurobiologists cautioned that eating strawberries alone won’t boost brain health. A varied, balanced diet that includes strawberries is essential.
The results of the study were published in the journal Nutrients.
