Research at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I of the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany, has revealed a link between the daily intake of fruits and vegetables and cognitive performance, according to Science Daily.

Individuals with a high daily intake (about 400g) of fruits and vegetables had higher antioxidant levels, lower indicators of free radical-induced damage against lipids and better cognitive performance than healthy subjects consuming low amounts (less than 100g a day) of fruits and vegetables.

Researchers recommend a change in nutritional habits aimed at increasing intake of fruits and vegetables in order to lower the prevalence of cognitive impairment.

'It is known that there is a strong association between fruit and vegetable intake and the natural antioxidant defences of the body against free radicals,' said Dr M Cristina Polidori, at the Department of Geriatrics, Marienhospital Herne, Ruhr-University of Bochum in Germany. 'It is also known that bad nutritional habits increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment with and without dementia. With this work we show a multiple link between fruit and vegetable intake, antioxidant defences and cognitive performance, in the absence of disease and independent of age.

'Among other lifestyle habits, it is recommended to improve nutrition in general and fruit and vegetable intake in particular at any age, beginning as early as possible,' Dr Polidori added. 'This may increase our chances to remain free of dementia in advanced age.'

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