USDA scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have been finding promising results associated with diets high in antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Preliminary studies suggest that diets containing fruit and vegetables with high-ORAC^ values may provide protection against chronic age-related afflictions like loss of coordination and memory. Cranberries score high on the antioxidant scale at 1750 ORAC units per 100 g (about 3.5 oz.) of fresh fruit.²⁸

Using an animal model James Joseph, Ph.D. and Barbara Shukitt-Hale Ph.D. have been experimenting with cranberries and their ability to protect brain cells from free radical damage and subsequent motor and cognitive function losses. Rats fed diets supplemented with cranberries are put through a series of tests to evaluate their neural function compared to a control group. Preliminary results indicate that there will be compelling evidence that cranberry can help protect the brain from neurological damage (unpublished results).

^ Note: ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity, measures the ability of a substance to subdue oxygen free radicals in vitro.

Selected References:
28. Joseph, J.A., Nadeau, D.A., and Underwood, A. The Color Code - A revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health. 1st ed. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2002.