Eat Healthy Monday – Antioxidants

Today’s tip comes from Eat Well’s blog, The Green Fork.

Today’s tip: Want antioxidants? Eat fresh, local food!

We’ve been told that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is best for a healthy body and mind. Part of this recommendation is due to the fact that antioxidants help maintain the balance of free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Antioxidants exist primarily in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, the more color the better. Yet another great reason to buy seasonally! Among a top ten list you will find: blueberries, pomegranates, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach and carrots. Raw foods pack a punch when it comes to antioxidants, so there is no need to purchase those vitamin-enhanced beverages, plus you will avoid unnecessary added sugar. In fact, it has recently been discovered that antioxidant-rich foods may not be as effective after months of storage. Two studies on green tea and olive oil found that after six months, the green tea lost 32 percent of its antioxidants and the extra virgin olive oil lost 40 percent. So as far as nutrition goes, stick with fresh food!