Pomegranate juice may help to protect infant brain: Study
| Aug 27, 2019, 14:38 IST
A new study suggests pomegranate juice may help the brain development of unborn babies. This juice is a rich source of many nutrients, which can be especially beneficial for those babies at risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Providing the unborn child with the right nutrition can help to protect the baby from brain injury.
For the study, researchers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital studied the effect of pomegranate juice taken during pregnancy. Women were chosen at random to consume pomegranate juice daily or consume a drink that was free of polyphenol. The results showed better brain development and brain connectivity in infants born to mothers who regularly consumed pomegranate juice.
Polyphenols, found in pomegranate, are a group of antioxidants that can be found in many foods and drinks like nuts, tea, berries, and red wine. Researchers say polyphenols can cross the blood-brain barrier and can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
The team also found regional differences in white matter microstructure and functional connectivity in babies whose mother's did drink the fruit juice. "These measures tell us about how the brain is developing functionally," Inder told a news portal. Adding, "We saw no difference in brain growth and baby growth, but we did see improvement in cabling network and brain development measured by synchronous blood flow and visual development of the brain."
Further research is needed to understand the potential neuroprotective effects of polyphenols. "We plan to continue investigating these exciting findings," Inder told a news portal. Adding, "While the preliminary evidence shows promise, additional study and replication is needed."
The study's findings were originally published in the journal Plos One.
Picture Courtesy: Google Images
For the study, researchers at the Brigham and Women's Hospital studied the effect of pomegranate juice taken during pregnancy. Women were chosen at random to consume pomegranate juice daily or consume a drink that was free of polyphenol. The results showed better brain development and brain connectivity in infants born to mothers who regularly consumed pomegranate juice.
Polyphenols, found in pomegranate, are a group of antioxidants that can be found in many foods and drinks like nuts, tea, berries, and red wine. Researchers say polyphenols can cross the blood-brain barrier and can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
The team also found regional differences in white matter microstructure and functional connectivity in babies whose mother's did drink the fruit juice. "These measures tell us about how the brain is developing functionally," Inder told a news portal. Adding, "We saw no difference in brain growth and baby growth, but we did see improvement in cabling network and brain development measured by synchronous blood flow and visual development of the brain."
Further research is needed to understand the potential neuroprotective effects of polyphenols. "We plan to continue investigating these exciting findings," Inder told a news portal. Adding, "While the preliminary evidence shows promise, additional study and replication is needed."
The study's findings were originally published in the journal Plos One.
Picture Courtesy: Google Images