Eating Spinach and Kale Could ‘Boost Your Brainpower’

09 Apr 2015 --- Consuming spinach and other leafy greens on a regular basis could help your brain stay sharper for longer, according to a new study.

Pensioners who were monitored in the study, by a US research team from Rush University in Chicago, allegedly had the brainpower of people 11 years younger if they had just one or two helpings a day.

The volunteers, who had an average mental age of 81, did a range of mental tests every year for up to ten years. The brains of those who ate leafy green vegetables aged more slowly, the team found, and the effect was significant, with the slowing of cognitive decline equivalent to 11 years, on average.

The researchers believe the vitamin K, folate or vitamin B9, and also the natural colorings lutein and beta-carotene are the most likely factors behind the effects on the brain.

Lead researcher Dr Martha Morris, said: “Losing one’s memory or cognitive abilities is one of the biggest fears for people as they get older.

“Our study provides evidence that eating green leafy vegetables and other foods rich in vitamin K, lutein and beta-carotene can help to keep the brain healthy to preserve functioning.”

Morris presented the findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Boston last week.