Many women know the importance of antioxidants in our diets. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and can help reduce inflammation, prevent early aging, improve heart health, and boost immunity. Here is a list of 6 antioxidant-rich foods that every strong Mom should include in her diet:
The Power of Berries
Berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Packed with polyphenols, berries contain anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, wolf berries or strawberries to your morning oatmeal or smoothies for an extra boost of antioxidants.Deep Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale and spinach are loaded with vitamins A and C, both powerful antioxidants that prevent cell damage and help prevent toxins (especially those from metals) from building up in your body. Incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into salads or lightly sauté them with garlic as a side dish for dinner (my favorite!)If you don't enjoy eating greens, try a quality Green powder like Ningxia Red Greens to add to a daily smoothy or high-energy shot.
Nuts & Seeds
Vitamin E packs a powerful punch with its antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage from the environment. This protection is vital for healthy skin, eyes, and heart. Vitamin E also prevents inflammation by blocking certain chemicals in your body that initiate inflammation. An added bonus is that Vitamin E helps boost metabolism and energy levels (especially when combined with other antioxidants). Plus, it's an essential component for keeping cell membranes strong so cells communicate better and function properly. Add walnuts, flax seeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds to your salads or snack on them throughout the day for a healthy pick me up!
Legumes & Beans
Legumes and beans have long been a staple in cultures around the world thanks to their low cost, high nutritional value, and versatility. They contain antioxidants as well as essential proteins and vitamins which are important for strong muscles and healthy cells. Not only are legumes and beans packed with nutrition, but they can also make great additions to a variety of meals. Legumes like lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are all high in fiber and packed with protein. Incorporate legumes into soups and curries for added flavor and texture. Beans can also be added to salads or blended into hummus as a dip for crudités or crackers. (Try to soak them overnight if you can, as this decreases the lectins and makes it easier to digest!)
Cacao
Cacao is made from cocoa beans that have not been roasted or processed in any way—unlike chocolate which has been sweetened with sugar and milk fat added to it. Cacao powder provides many health benefits including being high in magnesium, which helps with sleep, and contains more than 300 different compounds including flavonoids—powerful antioxidant compounds found in plants! Try adding cacao powder to smoothies or baking recipes for a delicious antioxidant boost!
The Easy Button for us Moms
For busy moms like us, trying to add all of these foods to our diet can be difficult. Time for juicing, smoothie creation, or even lunch can be in short supply. Be sure to utilize Ningxia Red that you can toss in your bag and take with you. NingXia Red packets don't even require refrigeration to deliver all those antioxidant benefits to your body and to your kids. But it tastes delicious with Pellegrino over ice!Conclusion
Incorporating these antioxidant rich foods into your diet can help you reap all their amazing health benefits! With so many delicious options available there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add these fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds to your grocery list this week! Enjoying these super-foods regularly will help give your immune system the boost it needs while providing protection against disease-causing free radicals in the body and give you more ENERGY!
Blessings for your health,
Carol Bercaw
PS: Join us for the Ningxia Red 30 day Challenge starting tomorrow, Feb 15th!! Al yu need is Ningxa Red and you will experience a difference in how you feel, think and perform!
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