A close up of a fruit salad in a bowl
November 16, 2023
A close up of a fruit salad in a bowl

Brain Healthy Ingredients: Cucumbers, Red berries

Serves: 4

Dietary antioxidants offer health benefits for both the brain and the body. An antioxidant called fisetin may show particular promise for brain health. Preclinical trials have shown that fisetin promotes learning and memory—and that it may help prevent or slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. The best source of fisetin? Strawberries—though cucumbers also contain fisetin.

Serve this welcome change from the standard tomato-based salsa with tortilla chips or pita chips!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, skin on, finely chopped
  • 1 small serrano pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Tblsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tblsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn into pieces
  • 1 tsp salt

Preparation

  1. Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Allow to sit 30-60 minutes before serving, to let the flavors meld and marry. Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips.
  2. If you want to make this ahead, combine everything except the salt and lime juice and add those before serving – otherwise the strawberries and cucumbers will break down too much.