Anthocyanin-rich fruits and mental health outcomes in an Italian cohort

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that diets rich in flavonoids affect human health. Among flavonoids, anthocyanins have been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects toward brain through modulation of neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, neuronal signaling and by modulating gut microbiota. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between consumption of anthocyanin-rich fruits (strawberries, berries, cherries, prickly pears, grapes, blood oranges) and mental health in an Italian cohort study. METHODS: Dietary information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the 10-item Center for the Epidemiological Studies of Depression Short Form (CES-D-10) as a screening tool for sleep quality, perceived stress and depressive symptoms, respectively. RESULTS: A significant inverse association between higher anthocyanin-rich fruits intake and occurrence of poor sleep quality, high perceived stress, and depressive symptoms was found. In the most adjusted model, individuals in the highest tertile of anthocyanin-rich fruits were less likely to have poor sleep quality (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47–0.86), high perceived stress (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51–0.92), and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Diets including fruits rich in anthocyanins may result in positive mental health outcomes.

Brazilian berry waste as a source of bioactive compounds: grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensisLam.) as a case study

“…From a nutraceutical point of view, the frequent consumption of the whole grumixama fruit could virtually contribute to a good health maintenance, as a strong body of evidence suggests that consuming berries rich in anthocyanin compounds can provide benefits to mental health, improving cognitive function and memory, 39,40 as well as reducing the risks of developing anxiety and depression. 41 Additionally, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such compounds have the potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer. 39,40 In addition, the phenolic analysis of the samples showed that GS is richer in hydrolysable tannins, whereas the highest concentration of flavanols, condensed tannins, and anthocyanins was found in GP.…”

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment

“…Cognitive decline has been linked with inflammation [4,5], which has been proposed as an underlying mechanism contributing to Alzheimer's disease and is a promising target for intervention [6]. Elderberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [7,8], and show promising potential effects for improving cognition [9,10] and other areas of mental health [11][12][13] and related functioning [11,14]. However, to date, there have been no randomized controlled studies comparing the effects of elderberry consumption relative to a placebo-control in individuals with MCI.…”

The promising stability of carboxylpyranocyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside during food processing and simulated digestion and its bioavailability research

“…1,5,6 Traditionally, anthocyanins are sensitive to the external environment such as light, heat, pH, oxygen and enzymes. 6,7 The instability of anthocyanins during food processing severely hampers their application. 8 During heat treatment and increased pH conditions, anthocyanin that formed in flavylium cations is hydrated and transformed into colorless and unstable chalcone, and then further cleaved into degraded substances.…”

“…Mounting evidence has illustrated the promising characteristics of PACNs during food processing as a result of the extremely strengthened stability compared to the classic anthocyanins 1,5,6 . Traditionally, anthocyanins are sensitive to the external environment such as light, heat, pH, oxygen and enzymes 6,7 . The instability of anthocyanins during food processing severely hampers their application 8 .…”