Substance in Bright Colored Fruits and Vegetables found to Give Teens Greater Ability to Tackle Complex Tests

A combined research of the University of Birmingham and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the first to show new results. The findings were positive on young healthy adults' cognitive performance and brain vascular function after ingesting this food.

In two separate trials, the same 18 participants preparing for a test were given the same type of food. First, with higher levels of the ingredient and next with lower levels of the same ingredient. The double-blind study ensured that the expectations of the participants will not affect the results.

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After 2 hours of consuming the food, findings showed an increase in blood flow to the brain, Science Daily reported. This was measured through functional near-infrared spectroscopy that uses light to capture blood flow changes in the brain.

Afterwards, all the participants took complex tests. The researchers challenged the participants to manage competing and contradictory demands. The findings showed 14 of 18 participants improved in taking the test. Maximum effects were evident when higher levels of the ingredient was consumed, with results shown 1 minute faster.

The limitation to the study is that all participants were healthy young adults. It should be noted that the participants were all adult non-smokers. They also had no known chronic illnesses including brain, heart, respiratory or vascular diseases.

Also, of the 4 exceptional cases, the participants already showed the highest performance previous to consumption. 

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The Secret to a Sharp Mind

Previous to exams, it is beneficial for the brain if you consume flavonoids. As in the case of the study where the participants showed improvement in taking complex tests.

Flavonoids are naturally-occurring in brightly-colored fruits and vegetables. They are also found in chocolate,

There are different types of flavonoids and the one in the study is a particular type. The first type is found in wine, tea, onions, and kale. They are flavanols known as antioxidants. Another type is the anti-inflammatory flavones found in celery, parsley, and red peppers.

Yet another type is for weight management which are flavanones found in lemons. Soy also has a certain type called isoflavones for hormonal balance. Berries' skin also has another type called anthocyanins.

The type of flavonoid used in the study is the Flavan-3-ols. This is found in green tea, apples, strawberries, and blueberries. Cocoa and chocolate products are also rich in Flavan-3-ols.

Cocoa Boosts Brain Function

The participants of the study were also asked to breathe in air which contains 5 percent carbon dioxide. It was designed to challenge brain vasculature response. Findings showed the brain eliminated more carbon dioxide and faster after consuming cocoa flavanols, The Latch reported.

The levels of maximal oxygenation after consuming high-flavanol cocoa were 3 times higher than when consuming low levels of flavanols. Results in the complex tests also showed 11 percent faster speed in performing the challenges correctly.

As to what type of cocoa is most beneficial, Harvard Health Publishing recommends dark cocoa or dark chocolate for a higher content of flavanols compared to milk chocolate and white chocolate.

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