Blackberries
Blackberries are a Superfood for your Brain because they are loaded with antioxidants as evidenced by a high ORAC score - just one serving of blackberries (1 cup, 144 grams) has an ORAC score of nearly 8,000. In a landmark animal study researchers from Tufts University demonstrated that diets containing anthocyanins - the antioxidant pigments found in blueberries and strawberries - and also blackberries may slow and even reverse age-related brain decline. These antioxidants improved short term memory loss and reversed some loss of balance and coordination in aging rats. This study was the first to show that the phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables can actually reverse dysfunctions in behavior and nerve cells. Blackberries are also an excellent source of another more well known antioxidant, vitamin C, just one cup provides 50% of your daily requirement and as well as protecting the brain from the damaging effects of free radicals, one of its essential roles is in neurotransmitter synthesis, adequate levels of which are needed for normal brain function. Blackberries also provide some folate (1 cup = about 9%) and diets rich in folate are associated with lower homocysteine levels. If too high this amino acid is thought to contribute to the damage nerve cells.