Posted on 05/31/2007 3:40:24 PM PDT by anonsquared
May 30, 2007 -- It may be possible to boost memory with a plant compound called epicatechin, which is found in foods and drinks including blueberries, grapes, tea, and cocoa.
That's according to a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience.
The researchers included Fred Gage, PhD, of the genetics lab at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif.
In a series of lab tests, Gage's team studied epicatechin, which is a type of antioxidant called a flavonol, in female mice.
Some of the mice drank or ate water or chow laced with epicatechin and ran on a running wheel for two hours daily.
Other mice ran on a running wheel but didn't get epicatechin. Another group of mice had no running wheel and got no epicatechin in their food or water.
After six weeks, the researchers tried to train the mice to navigate a watery maze. The mice were supposed to find a hidden platform in the maze within 40 seconds.
The mice that consumed epicatechin did better at memorizing the maze than the mice that got no epicatechin. The mice that consumed epicatechin and also ran on their running wheels had the best results of all.
The findings suggest that epicatechin may help spatial memory, especially when coupled with exercise, note Gage and colleagues.
Exactly how epicatechin does that isn't clear. But the researchers found signs of blood vessel growth in the brains of the mice that consumed epicatechin. Better blood flow to memory-related brain areas may have helped the mice remember the maze.
One of the researchers works for Mars Inc., which makes cocoa products and supplied the study's epicatechin. The study was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Products Agency.
MAYBE THEN THEY WILL REMEMBER WHO ELECTED THEM!
Let them eat cake, at this point.
I know the route from my pc to my fridge like the back of my hand. Must be the chocolate.
I forgot what I was going to say.
What?
:)
Thailand.
I used to have Fortified Oat Flakes with Real Blueberries as often as possible while in grade school;that is until the price for a box jumped to several dollars!And my lifetime chocolate consumption in beverage,milk,bar,brownie,cake, and cookie forms would fill a ....
Also became a tea drinker at age 6 in a land of coffee-holics.Love grapes and raisins,especially chocolate covered raisins washed down with milk.
(Also known to eat brown meat-You may eat red meat but I prefer meat that is cooked !)
Aren't a number of the artificial sweeteners and flvorings suspected of negative health effects?
Because as far as I can tell,most Republican turn artificial upon moving to D. C.
Eat a box of chocolates, chase it down with tea, and call me in the morning.
Stories like this help me rationalize away my love (and consumption) of (dark)chocolate.
Glad I could be of help!
Oh!
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