The Skinny On...

[Texasmujer]

BLUEBERRIES
THE BASICS: Antioxidants help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals, which are blamed for many of the dysfunctions and diseases associated with aging. Blueberries are chock full of naturally occurring
antioxidants. One cup contains 14 milligrams of vitamin C and .8 milligrams if vitamin E. The compound anthocyanin gives blueberries their color and appears to be the key component of the fruit's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping strengthen everything from the eyes to the blood vessels.

A CAUTIONARY NOTE: Eat enough of them and they will stain your teeth.

EXPERT ADVICE: USDA Human Nutrition Center Research Center on Aging studies have shown blueberry consumption---just a cup a day---can stave off the loss of mental faculties caused by aging.

OUR TWO_CENTS WORTH: Love muffins? Go for it! But go heavy on the blueberries and easy on the muffins.

[Texasmujer]

THE BASICS: While nuts tend to be heart healthy because of their high antioxidant content, the almond packs the most wallop. Closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry, the edible seed of the almond tree is a great source of vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. Almonds combat cardiovascular disease. high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and diabetes. One study, in The Journal of Nutrition, showed that flavonoids in the skin of the almond work in concert with the vitamin E found in the meat of the nut to more than double the antioxidant punch either delivers separately.

A CAUTIONARY NOTE; Nuts---almonds included---can trigger allergic reactions. In severe cases, eating them can cause swelling of the lips, face, and throat. The latter is potentially fatal.

EXPERT ADVICE; The Journal of Nutrition, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders have recently published the results of studies that explain the many health benefits of almonds.

OUT TWO-CENTS WORTH: Almonds are high in fat---and calories. Eat too many too often and you may gain weight, But obviously it's better to feast on the monounsaturated fat in almonds than that nasty stuff in junk food.