Can Carrots & Green Tea Help To Restore Working Memory?

In this study the effects of green tea and carrot compounds on mice models with Alzheimer’s disease like symptoms were examined, specifically looking at epigallocatechin-3-gallate found in green tea and ferulic acid which is found in carrots, oats, rice, tomatoes, and wheat. 

Model mice were divided into four groups at random: one control group receiving a placebo, one group receiving both EGCG and ferulic acid, and 2 groups receiving either ferulic acid or EGCG; dosage was 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Thinking and memory performance was assessed at the start and end of the study. 

Mice treated with both compounds experienced complete restoration of working memory, and performed just as well as healthy mice after three months of treatment. The neuroprotective effect may be attributed to the ability of the compounds to inhibit amyloid precursor proteins from breaking up into smaller amyloid beta proteins that build up in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The compounds also appeared to fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain which are key factors of the disease pathology in humans.

“You don’t have to wait 10 to 12 years for a designer drug to make it to market; you can make these dietary changes today,” said senior author Terrence Town . “I find that very encouraging.”

"After three months, combination treatment completely restored working memory and the Alzheimer's mice performed just as well as the healthy comparison mice," Town said.

Although this study was conducted on mice, and many animal discoveries are not always applicable to human treatments the researchers from the University of Southern California believe these findings shed light on the idea that certain readily available plant based supplements may offer protection against dementia in humans. 

According to research there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from this brain wasting disease: be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day 3-4 times a week; get enough sleep; and follow a Mediterranean type diet that focuses on large amounts of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, nuts, olive oil, legumes and fish while only eating moderate amounts of low fat dairy, eggs, as well as poultry, and limiting red meats.