Want a Beautiful Brain

A 2012 study in the journal Annals of Neurology found that one way to have a more beautiful brain is to consume berries on a regular basis. This research found that women who consumed berries displayed less-rapid cognitive deterioration as they aged. In fact, researchers found that alterations in cognitive health could be delayed by at least 2.5 years in elderly who consume greater amounts berries. So why are berries a boon to brain health? While this particular study focused on consumption of blueberries and strawberries, the component that made the big difference in cognitive health was something that many fruits and vegetables have: flavanoids. Flavanoids are plant-based compounds that may play a role in reducing inflammation as well as preventing and repairing cellular damage. They may also help enhance the function of vitamin C—a big vitamin in the beauty world.But berries haven’t cornered the market on flavonoids. Chocolate, apples, red wine, onions, parsley, tea and broccoli are just a few of the other foods that have abundant amounts of flavanoids. What’s more, any plant-based food that is yellow, orange or red is most likely chockfull of these fabulous compounds. MORE: The Beauty Benefits of Dark Chocolate The berry-brain research isn’t the first study to find that flavonoid-rich foods help to make our brains more beautiful.  A study in 2012 in the journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that eating blueberries, blackberries and strawberries helped in the prevention of memory loss and prevention of other brain-related changes. A 2012 study in the journal Neurology found that habitual intake of flavanoids significantly reduced men’s risk of Parkinson’s disease. Finally, in 2008, researchers found that consumption of chocolate, wine and tea—all rich in flavonoids—helped to improve overall brain performance. Decreases in cognitive decline, memory loss and Parkinson’s disease risk as well as overall enhancement of brain health—all from something as simple as eating flavonoid-rich foods. What an easy and tasty way to get your most beautiful brain possible.