-Recent research, conducted by University of Georgia, evaluated the impact of carotenoids on cognitive skills in the elderly.
-The study evaluated the cognitive power of elderly people (close to 58% women) aged between 65-86 years.The researchers made them to memorize pairs of unrelated words and simultaneously they performed brain imaging for these elderly people.
-The study assessed the L (lutein) and Z (zeaxanthin) levels in the retina by measuring the pigment optimal density.
-The study suggested that elderly with high levels of carotenoids such as L and Z were found to showcase lower brain activity and an improved cognitive function. The “lower brain activity” observed suggested that they did not have to work as hard to complete the task.
-Experts recommended to include vegetables rich in these pigments (such as carrots, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and oranges) to their diet.
-Findings were published in Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Source: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society