How can adding strawberries and other fruits to your diet help promote brain health? Research suggests that fruits, especially strawberries, that are rich in vitamin C, anthocyanidins, and flavonoids can help delay or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
This blog explores the study and offers additional fruits that may benefit brain health and help delay cognitive decline.
Can Strawberries Help Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s?
According to recent research conducted by Dr. Puja Agarwal and her team at Rush University, those who consumed at least one serving of strawberries per week had a 34 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who consumed less than one serving.
Researchers believe that pelargonidin, an anti-inflammatory compound found in strawberries, may decrease inflammation in the brain.
Related: How to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia >>
What Additional Fruits Might Benefit Brain Health?
Strawberries aren’t the only fruit that may help keep your brain healthy. The following fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients that may also be good for brain health.
- Raspberries - contain flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein
- Blueberries - give your body antioxidants and phytoflavinoids as well as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K
- Blackberries - provide a high amount of fiber and vitamin K
- Plums - contain anthocyanins
- Apples - give your body quercetin
Related: Better Your Memory With These 6 ‘Brain Foods’ >>
Are Strawberries and Other Fruits Part of the MIND Diet?
The MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, recommends eating ten foods —including berries — to promote brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
Try including berries and these additional foods in your meals:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Other vegetables
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Whole grains
- Fish
- Beans
- Poultry
- Red wine (one glass per day at most)
Learn More About the MIND Diet
Ready to learn more about the MIND diet? Find out what five foods to avoid and get simple meal plan ideas in our recently published blog about improving eating habits.
