For A Brain-Healthy Dessert, Try This Nutritional Psychiatrist's Elevated Berries & Cream

If you're in the mood for a delicious treat that takes minutes to put together (aren't we all?), look no further than board-certified psychiatrist, professional chef, and author of This Is Your Brain on Food Uma Naidoo, M.D.'s elevated take on the traditional berries and cream. As she explains on the mindbodygreen podcast, a few simple tweaks can make any dessert loads healthier (and tastier, it turns out).  

Those familiar with Naidoo's list of brain-healthy superstars likely know she's got a thing for cacao: "Cacao nibs, for their crunch and benefits, are one of my favorite desserts," she notes. In addition to dark chocolate's high-antioxidant content (it's chock-full of polyphenols), organic, raw dark chocolate is actually fermented, which means it can support gut health—and the gut-brain connection1, while you're at it. Coconut provides healthy saturated fats, which is not only good for supporting brain cell function2 but also keeps you fuller for longer—despite its simplicity, this dessert fully satisfies. 

Sprinkle them both on antioxidant-rich strawberries (their compound, fisetin, has been shown to stimulate the brain-signaling pathways that enhance long-term memory3), and you've got a dessert that packs quite the punch.