Antioxidants: The Closest We Have to The Fountain of Youth

You see, free radicals are molecules that come with a missing electron, which means they steal electrons from other molecules. They steal electrons from DNA, which damages the DNA and leads to premature aging and disease.

This process occurs on the regular - whether we’re exercising or enjoying an afternoon at the beach. But certain lifestyle and environmental factors can make the problem worse. If we’re exposed to cigarette smoke, air pollution, excess alcohol, radiation, and harmful UV rays, than these free radicals will go haywire, causing significant damage to the body and causing wrinkling skin, graying hair and hair loss, sickness, and disease. The more we let these free radicals destroy DNA, the more free radicals there are in the body, and the problem persists.

The only way to stop these free radicals from taking over? Antioxidants. Thankfully, our bodies produce antioxidants on their own, but we can strengthen our protection against aging and disease by eating an antioxidant-rich diet.

You’ve probably heard the word “antioxidants” being thrown around, but do you know what they actually are and what they actually do? Read on to find out!

The Protecting Power of Antioxidants

Think of free radicals like the bandits, and the antioxidants like the police. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent the oxidation of other molecules by offering an electron to free radicals, thereby neutralizing them and preventing them from damaging DNA. Only antioxidants can render free radicals perfectly harmless. This is why antioxidants are so important when it comes to protecting our DNA from damage - they’re the last line of defence against premature aging and disease.

Foods that are Chock-full of Antioxidants

While our bodies are able to create its own antioxidants, it’s essential to eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Multiple studies show that a diet rich in antioxidants can help keep your skin healthy, your immune system strong, your digestive system working smoothly, and can help you look and feel younger, longer.

There are multiple types of antioxidants, and all of them work in different ways to fight oxidative stress. The types of foods you eat determine which kinds of antioxidants you’re getting, and the type of benefits from each.

Here are some of our favorite antioxidant-rich superfoods that can help protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and help your body run smoothly for years to come.

Pomegranate

The little ruby gems in pomegranate are full of rich tannins and antioxidants called “polyphenols”. In fact, that’s how pomegranates get their rich red coloring! We love pomegranates not only because they’re tart and delicious, but because they have some of the highest antioxidant content of any fruit, helping protect our cells from damage. Pomegranates also help reduce inflammation that can cause stiffness, chronic pain, and illness.

Cranberry

If you’ve ever been to the doctor for a urinary tract infection, chances are, they told you to go home and drink 100% cranberry juice. That’s because cranberry has a powerful antioxidant called “proanthocyanidins”, which is a type of flavonoid with the ability to cleanse harmful bacteria from the urinary tract, thereby preventing infection.

Cranberries are also chock-full of vitamin C, which not only helps your immune system fight infection, but also helps keep your skin clear and supple. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect your skin from the effects of oxidation - keeping your skin youthful looking and protected from the effects of premature aging.

Cherry

These delightful morsels are a sweet favorite among many people, and it’s easy to see why! Cherries contain an antioxidant called “anthocyanins”, which is a type of flavonoid that is shown to protect brain health and reduce inflammation. And as anyone who experiences chronic inflammation will tell you: chronic inflammation is no joke. You may have high levels of inflammation in your body if you suffer from allergies, frequent body pain, constant fatigue, mood swings, and a tough time maintaining a healthy body weight. Cherries are not only delicious, but they’re packed with inflammation-fighting antioxidants.

Beetroot

The deep ruby color of beetroot signals nutrients and antioxidants that help with an array of systems: including supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, helping the body detoxify and cleanse itself, offering up a big dose of dietary fiber, and even improving athletic performance. (And as we all know - a good workout not only feels amazing, but is essential to our health and longevity.)

Raspberry

The flavonoids in raspberries are powerful antioxidants that help maintain healthy brain function, so you can say goodbye to brain fog, a lack of focus, and fatigue. Raspberries also protect heart health, immune health, digestive health, a sharp vision, and urinary health, so pop a handful in the blender!

Stave off Aging and Disease with our Antioxidant Blend

The science says it all: the nutrition we put in our bodies can make or break how we look and feel. With our rich Antioxidant Blend, you can be sure that you’re getting all the antioxidants you need to fight the oxidative stress that contributes to wrinkly skin, a weak immune system, inflammation, and fatigue.

Whip up a delicious antioxidant smoothie bowl that contains our Antioxidant Blend, you can start your day off with a good detox, so your body can cleanse itself and make way for better health.