Sweet cherries, smart brains
Diet plays a powerful role in protecting the brain, but not all foods work in the same way. Sweet cherries are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that can reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress. However, their beneficial compounds vary depending on where they are grown and how they are produced, transported, and stored. Cherries are naturally seasonal (May to August), but global demand means they are often consumed year-round, sourced from different regions.
To understand the seasonal health benefits of cherries, we studied rats exposed to winter and summer light cycles and fed them cherries from Spain or Chile, each with distinct phenolic profiles. We found that cherries, particularly those from Chile, which are richer in flavonols, can protect the brain's memory centre, the hippocampus. These effects wer strongest under summer conditions, where we observed increased levels of BDNF, a protein that supports brain function and cogntive health.
Our findings highlight that the benefits of food are not fixed, they depend on both season and origin.
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