In addition to helping lower body mass index (BMI), black raspberries inhibit bacterial infections, reduce inflammation associated with skin allergies, while improving intestinal flora and cognitive function, which could be extremely beneficial, especially in Alzheimer’s disease.
A new clinical study involving experts from Chung Shan Medical University examined whether black raspberries have a positive effect on Helicobacter infections, obesity and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
The role of infections and obesity in Alzheimer’s disease
It is known that obesity and infections with Helicobacter pylori are also linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, via the so-called gut-brain axis, the researchers explain.
To check whether black raspberries could have a positive effect, the team conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with people who suffered from mild clinical dementia, were overweight and had a Helicobacter pylori infection.
The ten-week study consisted of an eight-week intervention phase and a two-week follow-up phase. During the intervention, participants either consumed 25 grams of black raspberry powder twice daily or a placebo.
Benefits of Eating Black Raspberries
The results show that consuming black raspberries improved cognitive functions compared to taking a placebo. In addition, black raspberries not only reduced BMI, but also the existing Helicobacter pylori infection, the researchers report.
Black raspberry consumption was also associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and improved oxidative index and the protein hormone adiponectin compared to taking a placebo, the team adds.
However, according to the experts, the so-called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the hormone leptin were not significantly changed by taking black raspberries.
Black raspberries also modulated the intestinal flora and increased the occurrence of various intestinal bacteria, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, according to the experts.
According to the researchers, the results show that black raspberries suppress Helicobacter pylori infections, reduce BMI and at the same time have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal flora.
A significant improvement in cognitive functions was also noted, which was primarily attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of black raspberries. According to the researchers, the berries could potentially make a therapeutic contribution against Alzheimer’s.
Benefits for skin allergies
Another study on the health benefits of black raspberries found that consuming them can also reduce inflammation associated with skin allergies.
According to the experts involved, the beneficial effect appears to be due to the fact that black raspberries modulate so-called dendritic cells, which act as messengers for the body’s immune system.
Dendritic cells signal the immune system when to intervene and thus influence whether inflammation is triggered or not, the team explains.
Particularly healthy fruits
The results of the research make it clear that consuming black raspberries offers many overall health benefits and can even counteract Alzheimer’s disease. This clearly speaks in favor of integrating healthy fruits into your own diet more often. (as)
