Antioxidants are Magical

In case you missed it, it turns out that fruits and vegetables are good for you; especially those fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants. :) Antioxidants help counteract the damage done by free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress. Research has found that free radicals are unstable molecules that can play a role in a variety of diseases including: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Not only do environmental influences, like cigarette smoke, air pollution and sunlight cause free radicals, but we also produce them when we exercise and when our body converts food into energy. So it's good to have an ample supply of antioxidants. 1

Everyday, I eat cherries, dark chocolate, apples, walnuts and hemp seeds. (The Great Hemp Smoothie and the Cinnamon Sunrise supply these in abundance and they are delicious.) Other antioxidants that I eat on a regular basis are beets, artichokes, pecans, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, beans, spinach, garlic and turmeric.

The news gets even better: certain antioxidants are also noninflammatory. They can help with the aches and pains that the inflammation brings. Topping the list are: hot peppers, turmeric, garlic and cherries. I make my own turmeric capsules. It's fun and easy; and I know exactly what is going into them. If you are buying pre-made tumeric capsules, make sure they are organic and have piperine, as it helps with absorption. I am no longer on any regular pain medications because of my diet. I do pay attention to my body, and increase my antioxidants if I feel achy. Give it a try.

1. About NCCIH Home Health Information Antioxidants: In Depth