“Whoa!” LJ said as he caught the falling kitchen cabinet door just as Annie walked in. He examined the screw holes. “Looks like they are stripped. I can fix this.”

He returned from the garage with two small pieces of wood, which he packed in the holes. “Now, I’ll let this sit for a few minutes before putting the door back up,” he said.

“Will the extra wood reduce the size of the holes and hold the screws in place?” Annie asked.

“Yes,” LJ replied. “It’s an old technique my dad and granddad taught me when helping them build and repair houses.”

“LJ, you are a genius!” Annie exclaimed. “You remember everything you ever learned? What do you credit your amazing memory to? Could it be all our healthy meals?”

“Absolutely!” LJ quipped. “We’ve reduced most of the sugar from our diet. We’ve eliminated alcohol and eat mainly plant-based, which provides daily minerals and vitamins vital to brain health. I want to keep my intellect sharp for life, so I’m all for eating healthy food daily.

“Well said, sweetheart. It sounds like you’re talking about the Neuro Nine – food categories, designed to help unleash our brain’s full potential.”

“Remind me what they are,” laughed LJ.

“The Neuro Nine refers to food categories proven by science to have numerous health benefits. Each contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that keep the body and mind in tip-top shape. Eating these foods can help increase mental sharpness and clarity and reduce inflammation. Plus, they provide much-needed energy for both. A diet rich in these foods can also improve overall health, even reducing your chances of developing certain diseases.

 The categories include:

Green leafy vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for brain health. They are high in folate, which supports memory and concentration, and Vitamin K, which helps with cognitive function.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, are high in fiber, keeping the digestive tract healthy and lowering the risk of dementia. They are also high in Vitamin C and magnesium, essential for brain health.

Whole organic grains provide essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, necessary for energy production and cognitive function. They are also fiber-rich, which slows glucose absorption and can help prevent diabetes and obesity.

Legumes are a reliable source of dietary fiber, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also high in iron, which has been shown to promote healthy brain function.

Nuts are a major source of healthy fats, which reduces inflammation and improves cognitive function. They are also high in Vitamin E, which protects against age-related cognitive decline.

Seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids known to improve brain health. They are also high in Vitamin B, which can help with energy production and cognitive function.

Green tea is high in antioxidants, which protect the brain from oxidative damage. It is also high in L-theanine, which can help reduce stress and improve cognitive performance.

Berries are rich in antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and protect the brain from oxidative damage. They are also high in polyphenols that help improve memory and cognitive function.

Spices are high in antioxidants, proven to protect the brain from oxidative damage. They can also help reduce inflammation, improve memory and cognitive function, and reduce stress.

So, you, sweetheart, are a perfect example of how eating these foods regularly helps improve mood, focus, and memory and protects the brain from damage.”

LJ nodded. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Your dedication to keeping us healthy is a beautiful reminder of our bond. Besides, I want to be able to remember you for as long as I live.”

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.