July 2020
Japanese researchers have found that a protein fragment from soy slowed down memory decline in mice with memory problems. This could be a breakthrough in finding ways to design foods to treat memory problems.
The scientists broke down proteins found in soybeans. They found that one fragment that was eaten by mice reached the brain. The experts treated the mice to temporarily simulate the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. The protein fragment survived ingestion and passed through a barrier between blood and brain cells.
The tests found that mice who had eaten the protein fragment performed better in maze tests. And their long-term as well as short-term memory was better.
This test is one of the first where a protein survives ingestion and reaches the brain intact. It opens up the possibility of making special foods that contain proteins that could help treat memory and other brain problems.
For more details, see here:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200619104312.htm