Brain Gardening

As the brain uses more oxygen than any other organ or system in the body; it is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and most likely to reap great benefits from antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, E and these antioxidizing flavonoids which are effective against free radicals and substances like hydrogen peroxide and even Paraquat. Also present inh dark purple veggies like eggplant, these nutrients can prevent oxidative damage to our brains from a wide variety of toxins.http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110002679567/en

These nutrients also prevent and reduce inflammation, improve vision systems, improve blood circulation systems and blood sugar regulation. These flavonoids astoundingly have also been found to interfere/short circuit the dangerous hydroxyl radical-generating system in the body- thus preventing oxidation itself.

Blackberry Blackberry has been tested as having the greatest flavonoids antioxidizing prowess, though testing to date is not complete for all varieties. Blackberries overall are also very high in iron, which additionally assists in facilitating oxygen transport to brain within the blood.

It's suggested to mix blackberry juice with cherry or prune juice to avoid constipation if you intend to consume mass quantities. Blackberries also contains vitamin A ,C , niacin, thiamine, riboflavin calcium and phosphorous. Thornless blackberry varieties are tested to be the highest of the blackberries so far along with jewel raspberries; and early black cranberries.

Bilberry Great for vision systems and stomach digestion systems will add more later

Blue berry Due to the anxitoxidzing impact of these flavonoids in blueberries, they have even been found to reverse age-related neurological deficits in animals. Blueberries have:Antioxidants(C and E) ; Anthocyanins/Bioflavanoids and silicon. Silicon has been shown to help rejuvenate the pancreas and support in blood sugar regulation and diabetes management.

Wild strains of blueberry such as Rubel have twice the vitamin C as modern production strains bred for qualities other than nutrition. Elliot blueberry has been tested as having the strongest of these flavonoids in blueberries, though few heritage and native plants have been tested yet. Here in the north we can grow Rubel with winter bedding and the more cold hardy strains do really well with some pine needle mulch or acid soil. Juneberries don't need acid soils.

" Nitrated tyrosine blocks nerve growth-factor receptor sites, thus preventing new neural growth and inhibiting repair. By preventing tyrosine nitration, the anthocyanin may help protect against neurological diseases… tyrosine residues in enzymes and proteins is believed to be a major cause of brain damage in neurodegenerative diseases and in brain trauma" http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/

Elderberry needs to be heated or cooked in a juicer to neutralize the small amount of naturally occurring hydrocyanic acid- ordinary cooking makes it completely safe. Also has iron, benefits the immune system , has vitamin Aand vitamin C and calcium- almost as much vit c as rose hips and black currants Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin,Calcium: AND Phosphorus All good for brain support and repair

Easy to make any of these fruits into juice,jam or jelly to preserve for winter montsh.

Garden Huckleberry, wonder berry or sunberry seed savers exchange has the best varieties. This is an annual garden berry with high C,B and iron as well as beneficial flavanoids Best in pie.

Mulberry high b stress phosphoros high nervous system Weight loss Plum phosphorous dried essential salts for brain nervous syytem Grape high magnesium, anti cancer, kidneys bladder,liver help detox Vitamin A: : Thiamine Riboflavin Niacin Vitamin C: Calcium: Iron: Phosphorus:

Grape Grape juice reduces cancer risk cardiovascular risk and inflammation in entire body, brain and nervous system. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/84/1/252

See the Black Currant page to learn about another superfood

Why you will want to either get to know your grower or become a brain gardener

NOTE: Some people with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing problems may have Salicylate sensitivities, (berries have these!) Please read the link above with more information abotu why people struggling with attention or memory will want to find ways to introduce some of these foods if they can at all tolerate them.