Researchers say they have found a way to turn cherries into a powder that could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have previously claimed that consuming cherries can lead to improved cognition among people with mild to moderate dementia.
But researchers at the University of Kent believe that developing the fruit into powder, rather than consuming just the juice, can have a greater impact.
They said this was due to the powder’s ability to retain anthocyanin – an antioxidant found in cherries which some claim may contribute to defending against dementia.
The study in Kent took damaged or discoloured cherries that would have otherwise been thrown away to create the powder.
Researchers say the powder was found to protect against harmful effects linked to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, in laboratory models.
Dr Marina Ezcurra, the project’s lead researcher based in the University of Kent’s School of Natural Sciences, said: “Working with local growers has been key to this success.
“Together we are showing that agricultural by-products don’t need to go to waste – they can become part of the solution to producing sustainable and accessible healthy foods.
“Our newly discovered innovation is a scientific approach that could be adopted at scale in Kent and other agricultural regions, and we look forward to carrying out further research to help drive this forward.”
The study was carried out in partnership with Rent A Cherry Tree – a cherry tree business in Northiam, East Sussex.