Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food

by Catherine Shanahan

Omega-6 brain builder: 15 percent of the (dry) weight of the brain is arachidonic acid, and roughly 4 milligrams a day meets the brain’s needs. Sources: egg yolk (poached or sunny side up), cheese, butter (whether grass-fed or not), raw or sprouted sunflower seeds, walnuts, edamame. Keep in mind, though omega-6 is less reactive than omega-3, it’s still highly reactive and, when exposed to high heat, often transforms into MegaTrans. 3. Antioxidant rainbow: to protect the PUFAs from oxidation during digestion. Sources: colorful fresh vegetables eaten raw, fermented, or gently steamed, baby greens, celery, bell peppers, carrots, red and green cabbage, onions, garlic, cilantro, parsley and other fresh herbs, vegetable condiments like kimchee, pickles, sauerkraut, and pickled vegetables.