| February, 2004
Studies
have shown that selenium, in addition to vitamin C and E,
provides the power to fight the deterioration and Alzheimer's
that can come with aging. However, most selenium is found
in meat and seafood, although grains are also a source of
the antioxidant. If you are a vegetarian in your golden years,
how do you increase selenium in your diet to the recommended
50 to 200 micrograms? We suggest the following:
- Grains
on the brain: Increase your intake of whole grains, as in
cereals. The Brain Rocket
Fuel Breakfast in our Recipes
contains the maximum grains to give you selenium for brain
power. Natural sprouted wheat bread is also a delicious
way to increase your selenium intake.
- You
say potato: Indulge in a baked potato, with regular or nondairy
sour cream. Don't forget the chives, tofu cheese and veggie
bacon bits.
- Try
natural selenium tablets, which are usually free from gluten,
lactose, starch, wheat, and artificial flavors and preservatives.
You can also get selenium capsules with vitamin A, C, and
E.
- If
you don't eat fish, snack on mushrooms and asparagus, which
are high in selenium.
- Have
a handful of Brazil nuts---bonus selenium if they come in
their shells.
- Grapes
(does that mean wine too?), oranges, radishes, almonds,
onions (no more crying!), cabbage, and butter are also high
in selenium.
If you
opt for the vegetarian life, you need to be more creative
in your nutrition choices, but you can still enjoy a healthy
meatless diet.
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