SWAP Sweets FOR Berries

Research showed that curcumin can increase the brain hormone BDNF, which helps maintain long-term memory and combats mental illnesses caused by hormone imbalance, such as depression. Research*** has also shown that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has the potential to help clear plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. ‘To reap the benefits of curcumin, add turmeric to potato dishes to turn them golden, or try making a turmeric latte,’ says Mays.

Just like chocolate, berries contain flavonoid antioxidants that help the brain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. A 2014 review published in the journal Nutrients found that antioxidant compounds in berries boost brain health in a variety of ways, such as improving communication between brain cells, reducing or delaying age-related neurodegenerative diseases and boosting learning and memory. Brain-healthy berries include strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and blackcurrants.