Chronic Consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 Weeks Improves Episodic Memory and Regional Brain Perfusion in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Feasibility Study

This study investigated the effects of daily cranberry consumption on brain health in older adults. Over 12 weeks, participants aged 50-80 consumed freeze-dried cranberry powder or a placebo. The results showed that cranberry supplementation improved visual episodic memory and increased blood flow in specific brain regions associated with memory and cognition. Additionally, participants in the cranberry group experienced a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol. These findings suggest that cranberries, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, may help protect against age-related cognitive decline by enhancing memory performance and supporting brain function in healthy older adults

Based on this research, incorporating cranberries into your daily diet may potentially support brain health and cognitive function as you age. Consider consuming the equivalent of one small cup (100g) of fresh cranberries daily, either as whole fruit or in powder form. However, it's important to note that this study was relatively short-term and involved a specific group of healthy older adults. More research is needed to confirm long-term benefits and applicability to broader populations