After giving you a peek into my approach to holistic wellness in the first post of the series, today we’ll be going over some antioxidant rich foods.
So let’s start at the beginning – What is an antioxidant? Simply put, it’s a substance that prevents oxidation. And what is oxidation? Oxidation is a chemical reaction that releases free radicals, which proceed to cause cell damage. While not all scientists see eye to eye, here are some of the purported benefits of consuming antioxidant-rich foods, herbs, teas, and supplements:
- Slower signs of aging, including of the skin, eyes, tissue, joints, heart, and brain
- Protection against heart disease, stroke, and some cognitive problems, such as dementia
- Supporting the system’s detoxification process
- Healthier skin
A diet that includes these foods can help your body prevent the worst of the damage caused by these free radicals and reduce over all inflammation. Here are some of the best choices for you to add high quality, antioxidant rich, whole foods into your diet.
A general rule to think about? The brighter and more vibrant the color, the better.
Fruits:
- Goji berries
- Wild blueberries
- Elderberries
- Cranberries
- Blackberries
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Prunes
- Red berries like strawberries & raspberries
Vegetables:
- Artichokes
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Beets
- Peppers
Herbs & Spices:
- Dark chocolate
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Parsley
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Cacao
- Ginger
- Parsley
- Basil
- Green tea
Nuts, Seeds & Beans:
- Pecans
- Kidney beans
- Whole grains
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
Which foods are YOU going to add to your diet?
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