FLAVONOIDS AND YOUR BRAIN

It seems in nutrition, the studies that attract my attention are studies where the presence or absence of “ordinary foods” consumed seem to have an impact that is noticeable in everyday functioning of our bodies and/or improvement in health! A few months ago a study out of France did catch my attention because it did exactly that! It was a study on brain health and measuring the decline in the mental function over 10 years in 1500 people. It revealed that the ones that ate more often foods that contain a family of phytochemicals-plant based compounds called flavonoids.

While these flavonoids do share a rich research history of benefiting our heart health and boosting our antioxidant levels , this is the first study that I know of which links higher consumption of these foods with better brain function over 10 years!

The key foods in this study were green tea, blueberries, oranges, parsley, apricots, carrots, squash and red wine.

I know as I get older, I recognize that mental sharpness and overall brain alertness directly impacts my daily performance and energy level. Therefore reading about the link that key flavonoid-containing foods may help preserve my mental function seems like a small habit that I can try  to implement on a weekly, if not daily basis, to help me remain a Sustainable High Performer!! I hope you will join me and get encouraged to nourish your brain and add a few to your daily routine.

By Patti Milligan
Director of Nutrition