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 boost your aging brain.
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As we get older, damaged cells accumulate in the brain, which can lead to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 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.
These berried treasures do more than help your mind: Blueberries 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.
Berry Parfait With Edible Flowers
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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