Berries and free radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules your body makes naturally, and you also meet them in pollution, smoke and heavily fried foods. In balance they're normal, but too many can contribute to oxidative stress, a kind of wear and tear on your cells. Antioxidants help keep them in check.

Berries are a delicious way to get antioxidants. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins, the pigments that give them their deep color. Research links regular berry eating with heart and brain health.

Try this: keep a bag of frozen wild blueberries in your freezer. They're picked at peak ripeness, often cost less than fresh, and are easy to toss into oatmeal, yogurt or a smoothie.