Did you eat your Superhero today? All About Antioxidants

Did you eat your Superhero today?

There are so many foods containing superheroes available for us to eat! They protect our bodies from evil with every bite. Not to mention they are delicious and readily available. This sophisticated defense system helps prevent cancers, protects against heart disease, and aids in a healthy immune system. In other words, we can call these superheroes phytochemicals and antioxidants.

A popular superhero = phytochemicals

A popular superhero is the phytochemical, which contains superpowers from the antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our cells against oxidative damage. They reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.  Additionally, a few other key powers are the ability to interface with DNA replication, anti-bacterial effect, and stimulation of enzymes.

Researchers estimate that in 2016, that 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the US. Eating antioxidants every day may help to protect your tissues. Antioxidants work by looking for cancer-causing free radicals that destroy the body’s tissues. Once found, antioxidants will neutralize the free radical before tissue damage occurs.

What to eat

The goal is to eat these essential superheroes every day. Of course, superheroes come in a lot of different shapes and colors. In fact, the colors are what contain the protective powers. Here are a few examples of foods that contain superheroes:

  1. Berries contain flavonoids.
  2. Citrus has vitamin C.
  3. Tomatoes contain lycopene.
  4. Orange vegetables have beta-carotene.
  5. Whole grains contain caffeic acid, ellagic acid, and ferulic acid.

Of course, superheroes are an important part of the diet, so eat them every day! For more information on how to incorporate them into your diet, schedule your 1-on-1 healthy living appointment. Additionally, we have a meal planning program. This program will take your likes, dislikes, and conditions into account! Want a taste of it? Download a free 3-day meal plan! Sign up today to start getting more meals on the table.