This Is Why Berries Are So Good For Your Brain
Berries are one of those versatile foods that are delicious when eaten alone or in a recipe, such as blended in a smoothie or mixed into a parfait. You may favor strawberries, because of their decadent pairings with champagne and chocolate, or you may love a blackberry cobbler. How you choose to incorporate berries into your day, however, is not nearly as important as ensuring you do eat them every day (via WebMD).
Healthline shares that berries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat on a regular basis, as they are packed with fiber, high in essential nutrients, and can even fight inflammation. Berries are also one of the best fruits to nosh on when trying to lose weight, or for any diet you might follow, as Medical News Today reports they have the lowest glycemic index of all the fruits.
Among all the health benefits eating berries may bring, the beneficial impact they have on your brain is reason enough to buy more berries. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has found significant scientific evidence that eating more berries can benefit the brain in more ways than one.
Eating berries daily can help protect against brain damage and age related memory loss
According to Alzheimers.net, antioxidants are a crucial part of supporting brain health, as free radicals affect the brain more than any other part of the body. Free radical attacks can damage cells and cause memory related issues, as well as cognitive decline. Antioxidants fight free radicals, and berries like strawberries, blueberries, goji, and chokeberries are all high in antioxidants (per Food Network).
Eating berries everyday can help protect the brain by preventing age-related memory loss, according to the research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. WebMD reports that co-author of this study, Marshall Miller of the USDA-ARS Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, writes "In addition to their now well-known antioxidant effects, dietary supplementation with berry fruits has direct effects on the brain."
Furthermore, the same study found that eating berries can change how the brain neurons communicate, which can help prevent inflammation. Inflammation in the brain can lead to cell damage, which can alter motor control and cognitive function.
The Journal of Neural Regeneration Research found that berries offer neuroprotective properties, and state that "berry fruits may be a valuable asset in preventing against aging by reducing or delaying the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases."
The science says, as long as you aren't allergic, enjoy your favorite berries daily for optimal brain health.