Greetings Brain Explorers!

Make sure you give your brain good FUEL to keep working well- in
general, what is good for your body is doubly good for your brain.

Researchers, however, do like to pinpoint specific brain function
enhancing foods-- so here's a little bit of information to keep "in
mind"....

Anti-oxidants are those chemicals food in foods that keep cells from
"rusting" early--- get it? ANTI-OXIDANTS-- when iron rusts, it becomes
oxidized-- so this same KIND of thing can happen to cells and cause
them to age prematurely. Same kind of idea, and anti-oxidants can be
VISUALIZED as something like putting oil on a steel part to keep it
from rusting.

Of course, blueberries and other berries to a lesser degree are the
most delightful way to get lots of anti-oxidants in the brain's
bloodstream. I often have a dish for my late night snack. Safeway
sells a pound of organic frozen blueberries at really inexpensive
prices, and these are more packed in nutrients than fresh ones.
Blueberries prevent strokes as well, and reduce inflammation.

Grape-seed extract is a potent source of anti-oxidants and researchers
from U. of Alabama found that this protected rat's brains from
dementia. We can extrapolate that a similar thing would happen in the
brains of people as well. Not as tasty as blueberries however. Grape
seed oil, however, can be found near olive oil in many markets.

Vitamin E in moderate doses has a similar effect as Grape seed extract.

In India, 1% of the population over 65 is stricken with Alzheimer's--
in the US its TEN PERCENT. Why? Daily low doses of curcumin (found in
curry) slashes deposits of brain plaque. Curcumin is also an
anti-inflammatory like NSAID pain relievers (ibuprofen) but much safer.
OKAY-- start cooking a little spicy brain people!

Folic acid, found in supplements and leafy green vegetables, citrus
fruits, and dried beans will also help keep your memory sharp. Tufts
University research showed that people with the highest blood levels
of folic acid have little or no memory loss after middle age. This
ingredient also seems to help prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

On this newsletter I've previously mentioned Omega-3 fatty acids. This
is an extremely helpful ingredient in fighting and reversing
depression, and studies found that adding just 2000 mg. of EPA fish
oils halved depression scores in three weeks. There are many other
benefits to proper omega-3 levels in the brain and body.
>>>The main fatty acids EPA and DHA are found in fish oil- but as a
vegetarian, I stick to flax seed oil- which IS fine. <<<
Please see http://www.vegsoc.org/info/omega3.html for you
argumentative fish oil fans. Fish oil is fine, but it's not mandatory.

**************************


Okay NEW YEARS TOTAL CD SALE!!

To celebrate my January birthday (hint, Benjamin Franklin see) I'm
marking the Total Brain CD Set on sale for 10% off AND including the
Brain Lab DVD FREE. $45.94 which includes postage (international
postage extra cost only) http://www.neilslade.com/order.html

Holy BRAIN CDs, Batman!! Are you paying attention Brain Fans? this is
a 20 CD set and 1 DVD.... Okay, close your mouth now...

Have Fun!!