Berries Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline

According to a recent study published in the "Annals of Neurology", cognitive aging - the ability to think, to reason, to remember - is delayed by up to 2.5 years in seniors who eat greater amounts of berries. Adding more berries to the diet may counteract the inflammation which contributes to cognitive decline. 

Harvard scientists looked at information gleaned from the Nurses Health Study which began in 1976.  It was found that women over the age of 70, who consumed a higher intake of berries, had a delay in cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years.

"Reduced cognitive aging was also associated with a higher total consumption of flavonoids and anthocyanidins (chemical compounds that give fruits and vegetables their pigment - some of the most colorful and deeply colored fruits and vegetables are the richest in anthocyanidins)."(1) 

In addition to berries, look to black and red grapes, cranberries, red cabbage, beets, red onion, purple potatoes and eggplant.

D.

(1)  "Berries Keep Aging Minds Sharp", Sylvia Booth Hubbard, April 25, 2012, www.newsmaxhealth.com