The term antioxidant is thrown around a lot when you hear or read about anything that relates to diet, nutrition, health, and wellness. While it is relatively common knowledge that antioxidants are important for your immune system, do you know what antioxidants really are and why are they good for your immune system and overall wellness? And where can you find antioxidants and how can you make sure that you are getting enough of them every day?
Antioxidants are molecules that stop the oxidation of other molecules. Antioxidants fight the damage that free radicals cause to our cells. Free radicals come from air pollution, rays from the sun, bacteria, cigarette smoke, alcohol intake, and other toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis or choose to expose our bodies to. When your body doesn’t have enough antioxidant-support, excessive oxidative stress can take place, which can damage your internal and external body. Free radicals are also responsible for signs of aging, cancer, inflammatory aliments, asthma, diabetes, and even dementia.
Fortunately, antioxidants are found in a delicious abundance of natural foods. The main antioxidants are vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. Red, orange, yellow, dark greens, blue, and purple fruits and vegetables typically contain very high levels of antioxidants. This is one of the major reasons why you should “eat the rainbow.”
Beta-Carotene-rich foods include asparagus, beets, broccoli, kale, mangoes, spinach, tomatoes, watermelon, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin C-rich foods include berries, kiwi, oranges, papaya, bell peppers, grapefruit, and snow peas.
Vitamin E-rich foods include avocado, mustard greens, pumpkin, nuts, sunflower seeds, and chard.
Are you worried that you might not be getting enough antioxidants in your daily diet or do you want to ensure that your body is always ready to fight back against the constant flood of free radicals?
Juice Plus+ Vineyard blend is packed full of the real powerhouse antioxidants. Each capsule contains concord grapes, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, black currants, bilberries, raspberries, pomegranates, and elderberries. Are you eating bilberries and elderberries every day?
Antioxidants are key players in the fight against heart disease, neurological and mood disorders, the flu and common cold, outward signs of aging, vision degeneration, periodontal disease, infections, and inflammation. Adding Juice Plus+ Vineyard Blend to your daily routine can have significant benefits to your present and future health.
As we’ve talked about in the past, preventative healthcare is the best approach to healthcare and your diet is a major part of your preventative healthcare plan.
Talk to Dr. Blake or Honi, if you like to learn more about easy antioxidant support.
Next week, we will further examine the importance of diet and what heart healthy foods you should be eating every day.