Many everyday foods, including fruit, vegetables and red wine, can have a positive effect on brain function.

A new study from Emma Wightman of the University of Northumbria in the UK demonstrates that a red wine extract, polyphenol resveratrol, could improve mental performance on demanding tasks.

The research investigated whether a specific component of red wine would increase cerebral blood flow and consequently improve brain functions in healthy adults. Twenty four adults undertook a series of mental tests for a period of 60 minutes before which they were given either a placebo, 500mg or 1000mg of pure polyphenol resveratrol. Cerebral blood flow was monitored throughout the testing phases.

The results showed a change in blood flow to the brain and significant improvements in cognitive performance in the participants who had been given polyphenol resveratrol.

Wightman commented: “This is the first time this effect has been tested in healthy adults. There is so much conflicting information these days about the effects of diet that it is interesting to see that a component you’ll come across in many everyday foods, including fruit, vegetables and red wine, can have a positive effect on brain function.”

Red, red wine… go to my head…