September 11, 2017
Antioxidant Power
Antioxidants are molecules that fight or slow down the oxidation of damaging chemicals that we ingest, inhale and absorb on a daily basis. We are constantly bombarded by free radicals, reactive molecules that damage human cells when exposed to oxygen. This damage can lead to many different illnesses and diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease and also speed up the aging process.
In come antioxidants. These little powerhouses help to slow down this free radical damage. Eating foods rich in antioxidants like green tea, dark green veggies, berries, nuts and seeds helps your body protect itself. I’m sure you’ve heard it before that it is so important to eat the rainbow when it comes to food. This is because the many different colours in fruits and vegetables are created by the antioxidants that they contain.
One example of antioxidant power are the phytochemicals called carotenoids. Examples of these include beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene. Carotenoids are yellow, orange and red pigments and are in veggies like peppers, carrots, tomatoes and sweet potatoes and fruit like mangoes and cantaloupe. Intake of these foods help to reduce the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and macular degeneration which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Another group of phytochemicals are the polyphenols including anthocyanin, flavonols and flavones. These are found in berries, citrus fruits, onions, purple grapes, green tea, red wine and chocolate. One of the best sources of anthocyanin are blueberries, both fresh and frozen. These beautiful little berries are rich in anthocyanin with potent antioxidant power.
One of my favourite ways to enjoy these little beauties is to blend them up with some chia seeds and almond milk and let them sit and turn into a berry pudding. I’ll have this little snack in the afternoon for a filling and delicious boost of antioxidants.
Blueberry Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Directions
- Blend together, pour into a mason jar or bowl and let sit for a bit to thicken or just eat right away.
I usually make a few of these ahead of time and just keep them in the fridge for when I need them.
