Image courtesy of Aduldej / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
With the constant onslaught of information on health benefits and new innovations in the medical field, it can be exhausting trying to figure out what techniques or products you should use to stay fit and healthy. By having a balanced diet and exercise regimen you have already won half the battle, but what else can be done to maintain the peak of health? Adding more antioxidant rich foods to your diet can keep you healthy for longer as well as filling you up. Some foods that you wouldn't have thought contained so much healthy punch can be the easiest way to supplement your diet and longevity.
The importance of an
antioxidant-rich diet is crucial to maintaining health. Whether it is from
lifestyle choices or from environmental reasons, free radicals harmful
byproducts that cause illness and aging. As free radicals are brought into the
body, they piggy-back oxygen into the bloodstream. Too much oxygen within the
cells causes them to die and that is what gives the appearance of wrinkles as
well as inhibiting healthy cell growth. By eating foods that contain
antioxidants, you can help to offset this harmful process.
Blueberries Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / Raspberries Image courtesy of adamr /
Strawberries Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Berries have been shown to
contain some of the highest percentages of antioxidants among the produce
studied by doctors and health officials. Any fruit ending in the word berry is
a good standard to judge. Blueberries have been shown to have the highest
amount of antioxidants but other fruits like strawberries and raspberries have
shown high percentages as well. Plums and apples are other types of fruit
that contain a ton of antioxidants. So make a yummy fruit salad with some
yogurt and granola and get all those antioxidants to work.
Image courtesy of Witthaya Phonsawat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Beans have also been shown
to have the highest percentages of antioxidants per serving. Red, black and
kidney beans are some of the best types of beans to ingest for the maximum
amount antioxidants. Adding beans to stews, soups or dinner can help you keep
you full and healthy.
Veggies like artichokes and
carrots can also provide you with the recommended amount of antioxidants for
your diet. They may not be your favorite forms of produce on the shelf or you
may have picky kids at home that refuse to eat them, but try making them into
soups, dips or side items because the nutritional value is crucial to help
growing children.
It should be obvious at
this point that your mom was right when she told you to eat your fruits and
vegetables because they are the best things that you can do for yourself
nutritionally. But maybe something your mom didn't know is that red wine has
been shown to contain huge amounts of antioxidants like resveratrol that can
help combat things like heart disease and diabetes. A glass of red wine every
night with your vegetable packed dinner and fruity dessert can be one of the
best things you do for yourself. Just remember to drink in moderation. The Pearl Wine Company and Julia Childs always recommend “Everything
in moderation, even moderation.”
This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in
association with PearlWine Co. She has an interest in health and wellness, as
well as living a fulfilled life.