Boost Brain Power By Eating Berries - Brain Health Brain Health & Wellness

Berries for Brain Power

Research shows eating berries may protect against mental decline

Photo by Lisa Shinn; food stylist: Margarette Adams; prop stylist: Angharad Bailey. Polyphenols, which give berries their deep-red or -blue hue, can help fight age-related mental decline. Glorious blueberries, sweet acai berries, luscious strawberries — research shows they may . As we get older, damaged cells accumulate in the brain, which can lead to such as and . That's where berries come in. Polyphenols, which give berries their deep-red or -blue hue, activate proteins that "clean up" damaged cells, breaking down and recycling the toxic chemicals linked to age-related mental decline, says study author Shibu Poulose, Ph.D., a molecular biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston. See Also: These berried treasures do more than help your mind: rank first among fruits for their antioxidant powers, strawberries are tops in vitamin C, and acai berries contain high levels of omega-6 and -9 fatty acids, thought to play a role in cardiovascular health, says nutritionist Robyn Webb, food editor of Diabetes Forecast magazine. So — ready to increase your berry intake? Add them to cereal, purée them into sauces, or just eat them fresh. Photo by Lisa Shin; food stylist: Margarette Adams; prop stylist: Angharad Bailey Berry parfait. Make berries a regular part of your diet by incorporating them into healthy salads, desserts and smoothies: A dish with the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. A light and refreshing dessert that is ideal for spring and summer. A tasty complement to ice cream or yogurt. Strawberries with a flavorful red wine syrup. Berry Medley Fresh berries in a light lemon syrup — a cooling summer treat.
Raspberry-Banana Smoothie
So naturally sweet that you won't need to add any sugar.

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