Nature’s Brain Boost: Unveiling the Secret Compounds in Superfoods
Forget trendy superfoods – scientists have located the exact building blocks in certain plants that may offer a natural defense against brain decline. Researchers at the University of Wollongong in Australia have pinpointed the powerful phytochemicals responsible for the brain-boosting benefits of popular foods like Queen Garnet plums, sage, and elderberry.
"Why is lemon balm calming? How can sage help the body? We now have data to begin to answer these questions," says Naomi May, PhD candidate and lead researcher.
The study, published in the journal Food & Function, delves into the world of phenolics, plant compounds that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, and terpenes, responsible for the distinct flavors and fragrant aromas of various botanicals.
Using advanced mass spectrometry, May and her team measured the concentration of specific phenolic and terpene species in six common plant-based foods – Queen Garnet plum, black pepper, clove, elderberry, sage, and lemon balm. They found that different plant “profiles” possessed varying antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
For instance, Queen Garnet plums boasted high levels of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known to combat oxidative stress, a process linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Elderberry also scored high in these beneficial compounds.
Meanwhile, clove and black pepper were rich in terpenes, further bolstering their antioxidant defenses. These findings suggest that combining queries with terpenes for potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.
This research provides clear evidence that individual plant compounds are the secret weapons behind the brain-elevating effects of these superfoods.
“There is a lot of potential to use plant-based foods as part of a toolkit to manage conditions caused by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, such as neurodegenerative diseases. They are also just great for general health," affirms May.
This discovery paves the way for a deeper understanding of how specific combinations of plant compounds can be harnessed for preventative and therapeutic applications, ultimately offering natural solutions to support brain health and well-being.
