If You Can't Remember What You Had For Dinner Yesterday, Read This

Some strange, dark things may be in your near future: black currants and boysenberries. They could help you remember who the first American Idol was and whether you took your vitamins this morning.

The extracts of these berries help combat oxidative stress and DNA damage -- both play a role in the development of Alzheimer's (as well as cancer and aging). Plus, they may increase your body's own three antioxidants, which is the real measure of whether antioxidants in food do you any good.

Black currants are small, juicy, dark purple berries that are high in vitamin C and have a sharp but sweet taste. Boysenberries are genetically similar to black currants. What makes both special is they're rich in anthocyanins, potent disease-fighting antioxidants. Fruits high in anthocyanins tend to have deep red or purple hues. Actually, the top raters are chokeberries and elderberries -- but we bet you've never tasted either. That's because neither is edible raw.

Still, given their near superfood status, you may see them appearing more frequently in commercially prepared juices and other health-food products -- think juices, jams, breads, even chutneys. Elderberry wine, which is moderately popular among home winemakers, could make a comeback, too.

Studies linking anthocyanins to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's are preliminary, but there's no doubt that deep red and purple fruits, especially these, are smart food choices. So remember that dark is good. It's true for chocolate, and just about any berry. And speaking of remembering things: If you haven't stocked up on berries yet, we'll let you off the hook -- the first American Idol was Kelly Clarkson. You're on your own about the vitamins.