Have you ever had that moment a health “guru” uses a word you don’t know, and it goes in one ear and out the other? Me too.
But as I started researching healthy recipes for skin care and general wellness, I kept seeing the word “antioxidant” and “free radicals.” I couldn’t ignore them any longer. So, what are they?
What are Antioxidants and Free Radicals?
Antioxidants are substances naturally found in plants and even produced by the body that inhibit free radical damage to cells.
Over time, this can lead to disease, higher inflammation,... and yes, even faster aging as far as wrinkles are concerned. No thanks.
OK, Where Can I Get All the Antioxidants?
Although our body is amazing in the way that it produces some antioxidants, we can greatly support it by simply eating more plants. Plant foods are the richest sources of antioxidants.
Examples of Antioxidants include:
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
beta-carotene
lycopene
lutein
selenium
manganese
zeaxanthin
Other types of antioxidants and phytonutrients (awesome natural chemicals from plants): flavonoids, flavones, catechins, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens. You need all of these. They each serve a different purpose, and you cannot interchange them.
Top antioxidant-rich foods include:
Dark Chocolate
Pecans, Walnuts
Spinach
Purple/Red Cabbage
Blueberries
Strawberries
Artichokes
Wolfberries
How Do You Get A Variety of Goodness In Your Diet WITHOUT Breaking the Bank?
Simply, I eat a plant-based diet and supplement with one general wellness superfood puree of the richest antioxidant, mineral, and protein-packed foods. Variety is crucial, right?
Everyday, salads are my favorite go-to dishes, because you can add and discover all different kinds of vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds. If you keep the vegetables raw, you often get more nutrients, too.
Also, did I mention I am a busy gal, who just likes to keep things simple every now and then? My Crave Worthy Salad is just the ticket. Throw some things in a bowl, put dressing on said things, eat them, feel awesome, done. That’s my style!
Be brave, and dive in. Fuel with antioxidants that your 80-year-old self will thank you for!
What are some ways YOU like to eat your antioxidants? Please comment below with what you are going to try and if there is anything you would like to learn more about!
Grab my easy, throw together Crave Worthy Salad recipe (literally made with whatever you have and whatever you like) in my Creative’s Guide to Healthy Eats on a Budget! Click Here.
*Bonus*
Discover my favorite superfood, beautifying supplement that has kept my body’s general wellness supported and my energy-level happy for the past 4 years. I like it so much I even put it in smoothies like the one in the pic!
