Supernatural Botanicals

     Enjoy a bowl of berries:  Top super-food, blueberry, is rich in antioxidants.  Reservatrol helps to repair damage done by free radicals (unstable molecules produced as a result of stress) and pterostilbene regulates blood sugar levels, inhibiting the release of stress hormones.  And they keep better than another berries. 

     Have a cup of tea:  A study in 2006 found that those who drank black tea’s blend of antioxidant ingredients recovered more quickly from the effects of stress than those who did not, and felt more relaxed up to 50 minutes later.  A study at King’s College in London showed that drinking around three cups a day enhances mental performance.

   Enjoy Coffee:  As well as boosting mental acuity, a 2006 report found that 1-2 cups a day of coffee relieves liver stress, supporting the liver’s detox functions and helping stabilize blood sugar.  It may also relax the muscles, ease pain, and cut the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

   Munch on apricots  Eat a handful of dried apricots every day.  These are a good source of potassium, which helps to control blood pressure. 

   Red grapes:  Keep a stash to repair damage caused by free radicals.  The skins contain the antioxidant reservatrol, which accounts for the benefits of red wine.