We all want to naturally protect our aging brains from cognitive decline.
So—I’m always on the lookout for new discoveries.
And recently, a new Spanish study caught my eye…
It suggests that older men and women can significantly BOOST their brain function—in just 12 weeks—by enjoying more of THESE two well-known aphrodisiacs…
Romantic delicacies improve brain function
People commonly enjoy berries and chocolate to “set the mood” for romance. (Think about the abundance of chocolate-covered berries sold on Valentine’s Day.)
But this delicious duo supports your health outside the bedroom, too…
In fact, they both contain loads of potent compounds that ward off chronic inflammation and free radicals—which play key roles in the development of chronic disease, including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Knowing about this strong effect on the brain, the researchers designed a study to look at the effect of eating berries and chocolate on cognitive function on 60 healthy older men and women…
First, they randomly assigned the participants to receive either a mixture of berries (including blueberries, red and black currants, and raspberries); cocoa power; or a combination of both mixed berries and cocoa.
The berry mixture provided 100 mg of daily anthocyanins. And the cocoa powder provided 200 mg daily of flavanols. (These are the two active compounds thought to confer major brain benefits.)
Then, they gave the participants a number of cognitive tests, including something known as the Tower of London test, which aims to measure reasoning and higher-level problem solving. They also took measurements of two key markers of brain health and cognitive function.
Well, it turns out, ALL the participants showed improvement on the cognitive tests after receiving any one of the three mixtures.
But the group that consumed BOTH cocoa and berries experienced the most pronounced improvements…in just 12 weeks!
The researchers believe the anthocyanins in berries and the flavanols in cocoa work together, synergistically, to support brain health, brain cells, cognitive function, and memory.
Not to mention, both berries and chocolate also boost insulin sensitivity. This helps regulate blood sugar and improve blood flow to the brain—all of which help improve brain performance.
Indulge in this decadent duo
At the end of the day, I recommend including berries and dark chocolate (with at least 70 percent cacao) in your regular diet.
I regularly enjoy fresh or frozen berries on top of some full-fat, Greek yogurt in the morning. And I may even sprinkle some dark chocolate on top…or enjoy a piece or two as an after-dinner treat!
Of course, as I just mentioned, the participants in this study consumed a mixture of blueberries, red and black currants, and raspberries. But you can also look for blueberry powder (together with other healthy ingredients like rose hips and baobab), when you don’t have fresh berries on hand.
Lastly, there are DOZENS of additional drug-free ways to prevent and even reverse dementia, as I outline in my Complete Alzheimer’s Fighting Protocol.
In this online learning protocol, I give you specifics on how natural approaches like eating right, taking supplements, exercising, and incorporating mind-body techniques have been scientifically shown to reverse AD in a whopping 90 percent of people. Click here to learn more, or to enroll, today.