What they are: You can think of antioxidants as the nutritional equivalent of Scotchgard — these nutrients protect your toddler’s brain from normal wear and tear.
Where you’ll find them: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are great choices, too. You’ll also find antioxidants in tons of other fruits and vegetables — the more brightly colored, the more nutrient dense. In addition, nuts, seeds, and nut/seed butters are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which protects brain-cell membranes from damage.
How to tempt your toddler: That classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a brain-building powerhouse when you start with peanut butter enriched with omega-3s (see the brain benefits of omega-3s below) and use sliced blueberries or strawberries instead of jam. Another antioxidant-rich recipe: Stir fresh berries into plain low-fat yogurt (which is rich in choline — see below); or toss the yogurt and fruit, along with some low-fat milk, into the blender to make a smoothie.
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