Antioxidents

We hear a great deal about antioxidants, but we may not be sure what they are or why they are important. Here is a basic explanation.

What happens when you cut an apple in half and lay it on the counter? Within minutes it begins to turn brown. The Oxidation process has begun. You can prevent this from happening by simply dipping the cut side of the apple in lemon juice - high in vitamin C. In a similar process your body uses vitamins called antioxidants to help fight the damage caused by oxidation. Your brain produces energy from oxygen and glucose and must get rid of extra oxygen molecules that are known as free radicals. Many scientists think these free radicals are partially to blame for your aging body and brain as well as some diseases including Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. Three big ones to be sure!

So, what defense do you have against these free radicals? By eating a diet rich in foods and vitamins containing antioxidants, you can fight and in some cases repair damage that has been done to your brain or body or both.

Scientists the world over are conducting studies and coming up with similar findings, those persons suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's have higher than "normal" levels of enzymes that play a role in oxidation and low levels of antioxidants. The excitement continues to grow as more and more evidence comes in supporting the fact that antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C and E (just think of your ace in the hole against brain disease) may slow the symptoms of dementia. What a blessing. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking anything beyond a basic multivitamin, because very high doses of some vitamins may be harmful.

I want to share a neat recipe that I have reconstructed. I have two of these wonderful morsels daily to be certain I get my antioxidants and fiber. Every ingredient adds to your healthy brain.

Barbara's Brain Boosters

½ cup ground nuts - I use almonds or walnuts
1 Tbs ground flax seed (you can omit this but it is healthy for you)
10 dried plums (a.k.a. prunes - the orange flavored ones are best)
10 dried apricots
1 Tbs grated orange rind
1 Tbs orange juice
1 Tbs honey
Chop nuts fine - set aside 2Tbs.
Grind flax seed (I use a coffee grinder) mix with remaining chopped nuts
Chop dried plums and apricots. Set into a small bowl
Wash and grate one orange peel - add grated peel to bowl
Add the orange juice and honey
Add 2 Tbs of nut mixture
Mix ingredients well.
Lay out a piece of wax paper. Make grape sized balls of the mixture and roll them in the remaining nuts. Place on wax paper. Store in an airtight container or refrigerate. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth while giving your brain a healthy boost.

Taken from Mental Aerobics - 75 Ways to Keep Your Brain Fit by Barbara Bruce