How to Use Antioxidants For Brain Health

Antioxidants perform the important function of neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are the brain’s most malicious enemies. The brain largely consists of fat cells, which provide the free radicals. The process by which oxygen reacts with fat molecules is called oxidation – basically producing rancid fat. The brain can literally become rancid and is constantly threatened by this process. Stress hormones, diets which include trans fats, and other toxins in our environment add to the load of free radicals. In spite of the heavy hits our brain cells take from free radicals hour by hour, antioxidants can repair 99% plus of this damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lots of dark-skinned fruits and vegetables

1. Read over the list of highest value antioxidant foods and choose all the ones you are most likely to enjoy on a regular basis, as well as have access to at your local market. The very best foods are the ones grown most locally, because they can make it to your table before they have lost their nutritional value. The list includes the following: Prunes, raisins, blackberries, blueberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, plums, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, avocado, oranges, grapes, red peppers, cherries, kiwi, beans, grapefruit, kidney beans, onion, corn. New on the scene: Goji berries and raw cacao nuts.

2. Take the foods you have chosen and put them on your grocery list, so you always remember to look for them at the store. When you are browsing recipes online, look for ones that include these fruits and vegetables and begin experimenting with different ways to prepare them.

3. Try to mix up the foods, daily and weekly, so you receive the highest benefit from everything you are eating. Diversity is very important, as each food has some qualities that the others do not. If you can eat them without cooking, you may be able to assimilate much more of the antioxidants. Some foods are not digestible without being cooked or fermented. Learn the best way for each food you really enjoy.

4. Invite your friends over for an antioxidant potluck!