Fruit Intake Enhances Mental Acuity
The old adage, "eat, drink and be merry" never applied so much to any one category as it does to fruits, according to one recent study. While fruits have always projected a healthy halo, a growing body of research indicates the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve our mental well-being or aid with cognition.
One group of researchers from the University of Leeds, U.K., recently published a study linking the relationship between fruits and vegetables and well-being.1 Since most people do not consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables, "adding one portion per day could significantly improve psychological health," said lead researcher Neel Ocean, Ph.D., research fellow at University of Leeds. Due to this fact, he added, "it probably wouldn’t be a bad thing if there was an increase in the availability of convenience foods that had significant fruit or vegetable content."
In recent years, the importance of fruit intake has
been propelled by the ongoing wellness trend, and
consumers are more determined than ever to make
healthier lifestyle choices. Fruit has a positive role
to play in convenience foods, as mentioned above,
but is also a viable, functional ingredient in multiple,
application categories. Researchers constantly report
on new reasons to believe in fruits' beneficial aspects,
particularly the link between fruit consumption and
improved cognitive function.
An Age-Old Issue
The health benefits of fruits and vegetables may be
more important than ever before considering the
aging population in the United States. And the fact
that most adults in modern societies can count on a
longer lifespan. How well we age can be influenced
by personal choices such as diet and exercise.
Consumers who follow a healthy diet can help
ensure that mental faculties remain sharp.
Consumers are aware of this link between food
and better health. According to a Nielsen Global
Health and Ingredient Sentiment survey,2 70 percent
of consumers around the globe or 60 percent of
Americans, say they actively make dietary choices
to help prevent adverse health conditions, one of
which they named as cognitive health. See fig. 1
Synergistic Formulating
Fortunately for formulators many of the
foods or nutrients that benefit brain health
also provide benefits to help stave off
other health issues. One study for example,
indicates that berry phenolics, while potent
"in vitro antioxidants" exert in vivo biological
activities beyond antioxidation and can have
"complementary and overlapping mechanisms
of action” that can positively impact human
health as it relates to certain types of cancers,
heart and neurogenerative diseases.4
The Emory University Goizueta
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center lists
recommendations to help stave off or
compensate for age-related changes. One
primary tactic is to maintain good health.
Within their recommendation for medical
visits, etc., it specifically said, “a diet rich in
fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants,
such as blueberries, strawberries and
broccoli…may be neuroprotective.”5
As of 2015, 48 million Americans were above the
age of 65, accounting for 15 percent of the total U.S.
population. According to the Population Reference
Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older
is projected to double by the year 2060 to 98 million
individuals, representing nearly 24 percent of the
population. And according to AARP data, by the year
2040, one in five Americans will be over age 65.
AARP released a consumer insight survey on
nutrition and brain health, one key finding said,
“Significantly more adults, age 40 plus, who ate the
recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables
reported better brain health than (77%) those that
didn’t (39%).”3 Sadly, most adults aren’t getting
the daily recommended servings from all five food
groups and one-third of those responding didn’t
consume the recommended amount in any food
group. Increased education might help with this
issue as the survey said nearly nine in 10 adults were
likely to eat more healthfully if they knew it would
lower the risks of cognitive decline (87%) or other
diseases. And cognitive decline is a valid concern
among older populations. In Mintel’s 2019 report, “Formulating for Cognitive Health,” adults above
the age of 55 from three major countries, the U.K.,
China and the U.S., cited concerns about weakening
memory or the possibility of developing dementia.
Berries–The Brain’s New
Best Friend?
Brightly colored berries are bursting with a diverse
array of phytochemicals known as phenolics. This
includes flavonoids such as anthocyanins and
flavonols. These same anthocyanins that provide
berries with their brilliant hues also positively impact
the human body in more ways than one, specifically
the brain. The research community is investigating
links between anthocyanins and cognition, adding
‘brain health’ to the list of benefits that fruits and
berries can supply for better health. Compounds
like anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier
to exert their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory
mediators in the blood can damage
brain cells. The flavonoids within
berries possess both antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects that
can help counteract and reduce
this damage.
Studies from around the globe link berry
consumption with brain health. In one of the more
notable studies, “Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial
Signaling in the Brain,” authors Marshall G. Miller and
Barbara Shukitt-Hale6 reported meaningful results
linking berry consumption to improved brain function
in aged rodents. Their experiments showed that aged
rats fed just a two percent blueberry or two percent
strawberry diet for two months (2/2/2) displayed
improved spatial working memory. Additionally, rats
fed blackberry and purple grape juice performed
better on cognitive tests than control animals not consuming fruit products. According to the research,
this effect was due to the berry fruits’ neuroactive
phytochemicals that offer antioxidant, antiinflammatory
benefits. Shukitt says that blueberries
and strawberries have been shown to increase the
number of new neurons made in the brain, in addition
to the number of branches neurons have.
Another study, “Enhanced Neuronal Activation
with Blueberry Supplementation in Mild Cognitive
Impairment,” published in Nutrition Neuroscience7
provided data demonstrating, for the first time,
enhanced neuronal response during working
memory challenge in blueberry-treated older adults
with cognitive decline. It reports that it aimed to
investigate the effect of blueberry supplementation
on regional brain activation in older adults at risk
for dementia. Previous studies have identified
“associations between anthocyanins and such
benefits as…improved cognitive performance and
neuronal function in aged animals.”
It isn’t just older adults who benefit from fruit intake
related to cognition. Researchers studied cognitive
development in infants whose mothers consumed
extra fruit juice supplementation compared to a
normal diet during gestation. The researchers report
that, “Our study supports increased fruit consumption
during pregnancy with significant increases in infant
cognitive performance.”8
Another study published in the Annals of Neurology
shows that women who consumed two or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week
delayed memory decline for up to two-and-a-half
years. The study conducted by researchers at
Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital attributed
this effect to the berry’s flavonoids.9 See fig. 2
Tree Top specialists can help formulators incorporate
berry fruit ingredients into almost any type of
application. We offer a variety of ingredients from the
berry family of fruits. This includes single strength
purées, concentrated purées, dried fruit powders and
fruit juice concentrate from blueberries, blackberries,
cranberries, raspberries and strawberries.
Apples Add A-Peel to Healthy Brains
Remember the adage about an apple a day keeping
the doctor away? Apples might help chase away
age-related health issues too. Researchers from
the University of Massachusetts in Lowell10 found a
link between consumption of apple juice and the
prevention of the decline of a neurotransmitter
known as acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is documented
to show a positive impact on memory and brain
health. In fact, in patients with Alzheimer’s, their
mental decline can be slowed when acetylcholine
levels in the brain increase. The lead researcher said,
“These findings suggest that regular consumption
of apple juice can not only help to keep one’s mind
functioning at its best but may also be able to delay
key aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and augment
therapeutic approaches.”
This reinforces an earlier study, conducted in 2006,
that also showed a link between apple juice and a
reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s. In that study,
participants who drank as little as 4 ounces of apple
juice even three times per week could reduce the risk
of Alzheimer’s by 75 percent.11
When it comes to apples, our experts have no equal.
Tree Top’s cooperative was formed in 1960, in the
heart of Washington’s apple country in Selah, where
we still process 800 million pounds of apples on an
annual basis. Since our dried apples have much of the
moisture removed, a half-cup fruit serving equivalent
requires significantly less weight. See fig. 3
Taking a Bite out of Brain Disorders
Prebiotics are a class of fibers that can be metabolized
by human gut bacteria. These fibers not only help
to feed beneficial bacteria and promote benefits
of probiotic organisms, they also have been shown
to significantly reduce the amount of cortisol, the
stress hormone, found in the human body. The
connection between our gut and brain are starting
to be better understood by doctors, nutritionists and
neuroscientists. Several recent studies show there is
a bi-directional communication between our brain
and the gut microbiota, citing “strong effects of
Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on the brain-gut
axis.”12
Several different neurophysiological characteristics,
such as resistance to anxiety and depression have
been linked to the proper sustenance of prebiotics
within the intestine. Soluble and insoluble fibers can
be found in dried fruits and vegetables as well as
nuts, seeds, beans, bran and other whole grains. Men
should consume 30 to 38 grams of fiber daily, while
women need 21 to 25 grams.
Apples in particular are rich in pectin, which accounts
for approximately 50 percent of an apple’s total fiber
content. Soluble fruit fibers offer prebiotic benefits.
These fibers increase butyrate, a short-chain fatty
acid that helps promote the growth of beneficial gut
bacteria and thereby decreases the population of
harmful bacteria. Pectin is a soluble fiber.
A study in Japan showed that participants who
ate two apples per day for two weeks significantly
increased their count of Bifidobacteria and
Lactobacillus. Researchers concluding their findings
indicated that “apple consumption is related to an
improved intestinal environment, and apple pectin is
one of the effective apple components” involved in
this process.13
It is important to note that the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans (DGAC) believes that gut microflora do
play a role in health, but insufficient evidence was
available for the DGAC committee to make dietary
recommendations for Americans regarding prebiotics
or probiotics. This is an emerging area of research.
In the U.S., products that contain at least 10 percent
of the daily value or 2.5 grams of fiber per serving
can claim they are a “good source of fiber,” and those
containing at least 20 percent of the daily value of
fiber or 5 grams or more of fiber per serving can label
the product with a high fiber claim. Many of Tree Top’s
fruit ingredients are a good or high source of fiber.
- Tree Top’s drum-dried apple powder contains 13 to
15 grams of fiber per 100 grams of product.
- Tree Top’s concentrated blueberry purée contains
5 to 6 grams of total fiber per 100 grams, including
soluble and insoluble fibers.
- Tree Top’s single-strength purées contain one to
two grams of fiber per 100 grams for most fruits,
including soluble and insoluble fibers.
A Vitamin C Story
Readily available in most fruits and vegetables,
vitamin C plays a critical role in brain function. This
micronutrient is used to repair oxidative damage
caused by free radicals. It also is used to generate
the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The general
function of norepinephrine is to mobilize the brain
and body for action. In the brain, norepinephrine will
increase alertness and vigilance.14 It assists the forming
and recall of memory and focuses attention. In the
rest of the body, norepinephrine increases blood
pressure, triggers the release of glucose from stored
forms and increases blood flow to our muscles.
Since our human metabolic systems cannot generate
vitamin C, we are dependent on a constant supply
of dietary sources to maintain all of these critical
activities. Men should consume 75 to 90 mg per day,
while women need between 65 and 120 mg per day.
Although most fruits contain some vitamin C, guavas,
strawberries, blackberries and citrus fruits have the
highest concentration of this crucial vitamin. Tree Top
is primarily involved with berry fruits grown in the U.S.
Northwest Naturals, a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers
more of the tropical fruit varieties like guava.
B for Better Health
The B-complex vitamins play critical roles in building
strong neural networks, maintaining white brain
matter, and balancing the chemicals that make
up the communication system for our nervous
systems. Cognitive decline and dementia have
been associated through multiple studies with
low and suboptimal levels of B-vitamins.15 The B
vitamins found in fruits are B1, B2, B6 and folic acid.
For example, fruits with higher levels of B6 include
bananas, guavas, mangos, tangerines, pineapples
and pomegranates. See fig. 4
-
Thiamine — Vitamin B1 is important because it
assists in metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and
amino acids. Decreased levels of thiamine can lead to nerve degeneration in the arms and legs.
- Riboflavin — Vitamin B2 is essential for the
production of red blood cells. Although the best
sources of this vitamin are found in leafy green
vegetables, nuts, eggs and other food categories,
a few fruits supply small amounts as well.
- Pyridoxine — Vitamin B6 is concentrated in the
brain at levels 100 times the rest of the body.
It is required for the generation of many of the
neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine,
GABA and norepinephrine. Deficiency can lead to
brain fog, irritability and depression.
- Folic acid — Studies with older women have
shown that eating diets high in folate, containing
fruits and vegetables has slowed the generation
of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain which reduce
the transmission of signals between brain cells and
eventually kills them off. Keeping folate levels high
every day will provide the maximum benefit to
slowing the decline of attention, decision making
and reasoning.
Tree Top’s product development team is often
tasked with creating blends of fruits to meet a
specific customer need whether that be for color
or flavor enhancement, or for their nutritional
properties. Cognitive health is a newer category for
the company, but one that is growing steadily.
There’s always been a “healthy halo” around the
benefits of fruit consumption, and now adding
to its repertoire of goodness is the possibility of
formulating products that target brain health. Look
to the category of berry fruits for phytochemicals
that aid with cognition. Bananas, pomegranates,
pineapples, apricots, blueberries and strawberries all
contain varying amounts of vitamin B. Fruits high in
vitamin C include guava, strawberries, blackberries
and citrus fruits. And many fruits can contribute
a good source of fiber including raspberries,
blackberries, pears and apples.
Whether developing products to assist with brain
health or any other type of application, Tree Top’s
research and development team can help you
achieve your product goals. We specialize in all forms
of fruit and can offer decades of experience working
with customers to aid with product development for
a wide variety of applications.
Bios
Becky Douglas, Senior Food Scientist
Becky Douglas joined the Tree Top team in 2017. Prior
to her transition to her current role, Becky spent the
past 10 years specialized in food manufacturing process
and package systems. She holds a bachelor’s degree in
Chemical Engineering from Oregon State University. More
recently, her career has focused on the science of fruit, and
the processes used to convert it into delicious ingredients.
Becky is serving our industry with innovative solutions
by tapping into her diverse processing expertise and
scientific approach to all fruit matters. When Becky isn’t
pondering the next fruit solution, she enjoys gardening
with her husband.
Doug Webster, Director of Research and
Development
Doug Webster has been with Tree Top, Inc. since 2000
and is currently Director of Product Development. In
this role, he leads a research and development team,
creating custom fruit solutions for customers of Tree
Top. Doug earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at
Western Washington University and a Master of Science
in food science from Washington State University.
After completing his masters, he moved to the Yakima
Valley, focusing his endeavors in the hop, wine and fruit
industries. Doug is a winemaker, and until recently, owned
his own winery. He now only makes wine for family and
friends.
References
1Ocean, Neel et al. “Lettuce be happy: A longitudinal UK study on
the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and
well-being.” Social Science & Medicine vol. 222, Feb 2019, pp. 335-
345 2017, doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.12.017
2https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/nielsenglobal/eu/
docs/pdf/Global%20Ingredient%20and%20Out-of-Home%20
Dining%20Trends%20Report.pdf
3https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2018/brainhealth-
nutrition-study-fd.html
4Seerem, Heber et al. “Impact of Berry Phytochemicals on Human
Health: Effects beyond Antioxidation.” Antioxidant Measurement
and Applications. March 12, 2007, pp. 326-336
DOI:10.1021/bk-2007-0956.ch021
5http://alzheimers.emory.edu/healthy_aging/cognitive-skillsnormal-
aging.html (accessed April 3, 2019)
6Miller, Shukitt-Hale. “Berry fruit enhances beneficial signaling in
the brain.” J Agric Food Chem, (2012) June 13;60(23):5709-15. Doi:
10.1021/jk2036033
7Boespflug, Erin L et al. “Enhanced neural activation with
blueberry supplementation in mild cognitive impairment.”
Nutritional neuroscience vol. 21,4 (2017): 297-305
8Bolduc, Francois V et al. “Cognitive Enhancement in Infants
Associated with Increased Maternal Fruit Intake During
Pregnancy: Results from a Birth Cohort Study with Validation in
an Animal Model.” EBioMedicine vol. 8 (2016): 331-340
9Devore, Elizabeth E et al. “Dietary intakes of berries and
flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline.” Annals of neurology
vol. 72,1 (2012): 135-43. doi:10.1002/ana.23594
10Chan, A., & Shea, T. B. Dietary Supplementation with Apple
Juice Decreases Endogenous Amyloid-β Levels in Murine Brain.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, (2009) 16(1), 167-171. doi:10.3233/
jad-2009-0959
11Chan, A., Graves, V., & Shea, T. B. Apple juice concentrate
maintains acetylcholine levels following dietary compromise.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, (2006) 9(3), 287-291. doi:10.3233/
jad-2006-9308
12Cerdó, Tomás et al. “Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Brain
Development” Nutrients vol. 9, (2017) 11 1247. 14, doi:10.3390/
nu9111247
13Shinohara, K., Ohashi, Y., Kawasumi, K., Terada, A., & Fujisawa,
T. Effect of apple intake on fecal microbiota and metabolites
in humans. Anaerobe, (2010) 16(5), 510-515. doi:10.1016/j.
anaerobe.2010.03.005
14May, James M et al. “Mechanisms of ascorbic acid stimulation
of norepinephrine synthesis in neuronal cells.” Biochemical and
biophysical research communications vol. 426,1 (2012): 148-52.
doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.08.054
15Zhang DM, Ye JX, et al. Efficacy of Vitamin B Supplementation
on cognition in elderly patients with cognitive-related
diseases. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. (2017) Jan;30(1):50-59. Doi:
10.1177/0891988716673466
Call Us.
Our R&D department welcomes any customization challenge and we love working with our clients to create something brand new. We’re ready to provide innovative ideas, prototypes, packaging alternatives, and the world’s juiciest, tastiest and most delicious
fruit products — naturally. Contact Tree Top at (800) 367-6571
ext. 1435 or visit treetopingredients.com.
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