As we get older, damaged cells accumulate in the brain, which
can lead to age-related diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's,
and Parkinson's. That's where berries come in. Polyphenols,
which give berries their deep-red or -blue hue, activate
proteins that "clean up" damaged cells, breaking down and
recycling the toxic chemicals linked to age-related mental
decline, says study author Shibu Poulose, Ph.D., a molecular
biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human
Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston. These berried
treasures do more than help your mind: Blueberries rank first
among fruits for their antioxidant powers, strawberries are tops
in vitamin C, and acai berries contain high levels of omega-6
and -9 fatty acids, thought to play a role in cardiovascular
health, says nutritionist Robyn Webb, food editor of Diabetes
Forecast magazine. So — ready to increase your berry intake? Add
them to cereal, purée them into sauces, or just eat them fresh.