A Fresh Approach to Your Diet

Health is not simply the absence of sickness.
                                                                         -Hannah Green

     One of the greatest tips I could offer you is to introduce you to antioxidants. I can hardly think of a better way for you to boost your immune system, increase your energy and vitality, and actually improve your complexion and appearance than by increasing the level of these incredible nutrients in your body. For many decades scientists have known that antioxidants may significantly lower our risk of cancer and may even help slow the aging process. Now that’s a payoff I wouldn’t mind cashing in on.

     How do they work? Antioxidants act like your body’s internal housekeeper, mopping up harmful substances called “free radicals” that can wreak havoc on our health if not kept in check.  Free radical damage is thought to be linked to problems such as clogged arteries, which can cause heart attack or stroke, or even brain disorders such as hyperactivity, depression, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s disease.

     So do more antioxidants mean fewer free radicals running around the body? Quite possibly. Research has shown that people who eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables (which happen to contain the highest amounts of antioxidants), have a lower risk of many cancers and chronic illnesses.

     Which foods are richest in antioxidants? These soldiers are highest in the bright colored fruits and vegetables. Examples include blueberries (and berries in general), pomegranates, acai (native fruit of South America), amla fruit (native to India), carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, parsley, and blue-green algae (great in powdered form in protein drinks).  Farm-fresh eggs, and whole grain rice and wheat germ are also excellent sources.

     Food processing can lower the antioxidant content of all foods. For instance, vitamin C is reduced by heat, while vitamin E is altered by air and light. Needless to say, cooking, canning, and long distance transportation can all reduce the life-giving energy of your food. The lesson here? Eat fresh foods when possible. Or better, if you can’t identify it, you probably shouldn’t eat it!

     The choices we make also play a part. Junk foods, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are among the items that can actually destroy our antioxidant levels and increase our production of free radicals. In short, bad habits can accelerate how fast you age. Sure there are certain things we can’t control, such as pollution, but why not focus on the things we can control?

     What about vitamins? Short of giving you direct health advice, let me say that the multi-billion dollar vitamin industry is booming for a reason – people all over the planet desire to take their health into their own hands and are willing to pay for it. A word of caution, though -- many internet and multi-level companies promise the next greatest cure for cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, heart disease, and just about anything else you could imagine. And no where is this more evident than in the anti-oxidant industry.

     Being healthy doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your bank account. Be a discerning consumer, plan ahead, and make more good choices than bad ones.  It really is that simple.

Healthiest regards,