Live Longer With an Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Updated: Mar 19, 2019
Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to cancer, heart disease, accelerated aging, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, inflammation, and other deteriorating conditions. Basically, antioxidants stop "oxidation" - think of rust deteriorating an object- this is similar to how oxidation affects the body.
Another reason to choose organic
There are many foods and herbs that are high in antioxidants. Some such foods and herbs include: berries, turmeric, cacao, acai, artichokes, moringa, kale, wheatgrass juice, sprouts, red and green chili peppers, red cabbage, beets, pomegranates, purple grape juice, green tea, tulsi, gotu kola, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, raw honey, bee pollen, spirulina, chlorella, cloves, black pepper, peppermint, allspice, cinnamon, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary and saffron.
Most fresh organic fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Fresh juices will contain very high concentrations and are an excellent way to dose up on these powerful disease-fighters.
Fabulous Fungi
Chaga and Reishi mushrooms contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants found in "food" sources. Chaga and Reishi can both be enjoyed in a concentrated extract or as a tea.
There are also many nutritional supplements that provide high doses of isolated beneficial antioxidants. Some of these include: CoQ10, Vitamins A, C, and E, Beta-Carotene, Resveratrol, Glutathione, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), Lycopene, and Astaxanthin.
To avoid oxidative stress and maximize the benefits of antioxidants it is also wise to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a healthy diet high in fresh organic foods.
Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol as both increase free radicals, also be sure to avoid stress, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, spend time outdoors in the sunshine, and reduce your intake of sugars and grains. All this will help to increase the benefits of antioxidants.
Get Grounded!
Earthing, aka Grounding, can also improve antioxidant activity. Earthing has a potent antioxidant effect that
helps alleviate inflammation in your body. According to Dr. Mercola: "There is a constant flow of energy between our bodies and the Earth, which has a greater negative charge. Walking barefoot on the Earth helps you absorb large amounts of negative electrons through the soles of your feet.
The best way to incorporate grounding into your lifestyle is to exercise barefoot outdoors, such as on the beach or in your yard. It's one of the most wonderful, inexpensive, and powerful ways to uplift your health."
If you have or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, or any of the diseases listed in the early part of this post, be sure to start including many antioxidants in the diet. I recommend reishi and chaga, turmeric, fresh vegetable juices, plenty of dark leafy greens, blue and purple foods, lots of herbs and spice from the list, as well as some of the isolated forms found in nutritional substances listed above. Also practice Earthing!