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Blue Corn Tortillas: Effects on Learning and Spatial Memory in Rats.
L O Aguirre López1, J L Chávez Servia2, C C Gómez Rodiles1
1Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|November 4, 2017
Summary
Blue corn tortillas, rich in anthocyanins, improved learning and memory in adult rats. This study highlights the cognitive benefits of consuming pigmented corn products.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Food Science
Background:
- Pigmented corn, particularly blue maize, is rich in flavonoids like anthocyanins.
- These compounds possess antioxidant properties linked to potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of blue corn tortilla consumption on memory and learning in adult rats.
- To compare the effects of blue corn versus white corn tortillas.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen adult female rats were divided into three groups: control, blue corn tortilla (BM), and white corn tortilla (WM).
- Rats were fed their respective diets for 38 days.
- Memory and learning were assessed using the Barnes's labyrinth test.
Main Results:
- Rats fed blue corn tortillas (BM) demonstrated significant improvements in both short-term and long-term memory.
- The BM group showed enhanced learning capabilities compared to the control and white corn tortilla (WM) groups.
Conclusions:
- Consumption of blue maize tortillas positively impacts cognitive functions, specifically learning and memory, in adult rats.
- The flavonoid and antioxidant content of blue corn may contribute to these neuroprotective effects.
