Flavonoid in Strawberries May Boost Memory

Here’s another study that suggests that strawberries are good for the brain, particularly in boosting long-term memory, and protecting against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease. This health benefit has been attributed to a fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid commonly found in strawberries, as well as other fruits and vegetables.

Fisetin seems to have the potential to be extracted, purified and developed as a nutraceutical. Results demonstrated that fisetin worked almost as well as rolipram, a substance known to enhance memory. But getting all the clinical trials done and the necessary FDA regulations met is a long journey.

Will eating strawberries provide the same benefit?

While eating strawberries sounds like an enjoyable alternative to popping a pill, Maher cautions that it would take about 10 pounds a day to achieve a beneficial effect, which might prove too much even for the most avid strawberry lovers.

If its any consolation, you can also source fisetin out from other fruits: tomatoes, onions, oranges, apples, peaches, grapes, kiwifruit and persimmons.

Should you want to read the manuscript, refer to the early online edition of PNAS.