Antioxidants
A Guest Blog by Christine Alvarez
What are they?
Antioxidants are compounds found in food and are also produced in the body. They help defend your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage lipids, proteins and your DNA. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can aid in preventative measures to protect yourself against free radicals that play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. They also provide a boost to your immune system and provide anti-aging benefits.
Add color to your diet
There are many foods that can be added into your daily meals to brighten up your day and keep your body happy with the nutritious benefits of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.
Know your terms and colors! Grab the food!
Anthocyanins: red, purple, and blue (berries, beets)
Beta-Carotene: Yellow and orange (oranges, carrots, lemons)
Lycopene: Red (tomatoes)
Chlorophyll: Green (broccoli, kale, artichokes)
Anthoxanthins: Cream to yellow (cauliflower)
ANTIOXIDANT BEVERAGE RECIPES FOR SELFCARE THIS FALL
Blueberry Green Tea (Hot or Cold) via. theharvestkitchen.com
Steep tea: Steep green tea using either loose leaves or tea bags.
Add tea, blueberries and honey to blender: Blend the blueberries, steeped tea and honey in a blender.
Strain: Strain the blueberry green tea through a sieve into a pitcher discarding what’s left of the blueberry skins.
Serve: Serve blueberry tea over ice and garnish with mint leaves.
Ginger Cinnamon Hot Chocolate via. nutritiouslife.com
Combine choice of milk, ginger and cinnamon in saucepan over medium-low heat until almost boiling.
Add dark chocolate, stirring until fully melted.
Whisk until frothy and serve immediately.
