EDIBLE SUNSCREEN

According to Andrew Weil, MD, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, compounds found in grapes, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Kale, bok choy and brussel sprouts, garlic and onions, and the spice turmeric show promise for general cancer prevention. Vitamin E and beta carotene also show promise for cancer prevention.

Berries of all kinds boost the body's defences. In preliminary studies Heliocare, an oral supplement made from South American fern plants are excellent but very expensive, so remember to apply the sunblock lotion about 20 minutes before you leave the house. It is helpful to wear a wide brim hat during the mid-day hours, especially between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

When the summer season arrives, it is important to remember that grilled chicken left in the sun, the food safety countdown begins. "Grilled chicken can be left at room temperature for about two hours," says Tina Hanes RD, RN, a USDA, a food safety expert, "When temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, don't leave it at room temperature for more than an hour. The leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator. A cold second helping beats a trip to the ER.

HUNTING FOR HAPPINESS

Much of the food we eat is loaded with sugar and other sweets that contribute to the key brain areas of mood regulation.  Plant foods contain the minerals, vitamins  and phytonutrients that we call the Essential Elements of Happiness.  Your brain needs these as a first step to optimal brain functioning.   Eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains will be an important first step to take.

   It is best to use grass fed meat whenever possible.  This promotes omega-3 fatty acids that provide new brain connections.  Variety is important and this will give a broader range of brain boosting nutrients and energize the mind.  We need B12  for brain cells and this will be helped by eating eggs and prevent irritability, depression and cognitive decline.

    We should add a little folate to keep our brain's neurotransmitter factories humming.    Iodine would be another plus since it is essential for good thyroid functioning.  An underactive thyroid leads to lethargy, weight gain and depression.  A barnyard egg is a nutritional powerhouse.

    Grass fed butter is brain food.  It has a long list of nutrients that are not found in most vegetable oils including vitamin A which promotes the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, a key player in mood and memory along with vitamin B12 and D.  The more grass-fed a cow eats is even healthier and more nutritious.  Grass fed beef is also brain food and contains heme iron which is the most absorbable form.  The brain needs a constant form of oxygen so you must get enough iron for red blood cells.  Research suggests that it improves better academic performance so use grass-fed beef when possible.