Antioxidants and antioxidant-rich foods

Introduction to Antioxidants

Body Superheroes

Antioxidants are your body's superheroes, fighting and neutralizing free radicals. These unstable molecules cause damage to DNA, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.

Origin of Free Radicals

Free radicals are produced by the body's normal metabolism and by exposure to external toxins, such as cigarette smoke and pesticides.

The Diversity of Antioxidants

A Varied Arsenal

Antioxidants come in a variety of forms: vitamins, minerals, proteins such as glutathione, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids. This variety is crucial for neutralizing the many types of free radicals.

The Complete Diet

Definition of a Complete Food

A complete food is one that has undergone little or no processing before consumption. Examples include fresh fruit, salads and mixed nuts and seeds.

Benefits of Whole Foods

Whole foods offer superior health benefits thanks to the synergy of their phytochemical compounds, compared to isolated nutrients.

How to incorporate more antioxidants?

Eat a Rainbow

Adopting the habit of "eating a rainbow" ensures a varied intake of antioxidants on a daily basis. Whole, colorful foods are the best suppliers.

Smoothies: A Simple Solution

Incorporating a variety of colors into smoothies is a practical way to increase your antioxidant intake. Berry and vegetable powders also add nutritional richness.

Practical Guide to Antioxidant Colours

• Red, Orange, Yellow: Vivid sources of vitamins and minerals.
• Green, Blue, Violet: Rich in protective phytochemicals.
• Brown, White: Offer fiber and specific antioxidants.

Antioxidant capacity of foods

ORAC measurement

The antioxidant capacity of foods can be assessed in the laboratory by the ORAC value. High-rated foods, such as berries and green tea, are excellent sources of antioxidants.

Beyond ORAC

It's important to recognize that the benefits of foods are not limited to their ORAC score. The combination of compounds in whole foods offers superior health benefits.

Functional Whole Foods

Innovation and Health

Technological advances have made it possible to create functional foods that retain the benefits of whole foods, such as vegetable and berry powders, enriching the modern diet.

Easy Antioxidant Recipes

PhytoBerry Frozen Yogurt and Green Tea

Simple recipes like PhytoBerry Frozen Yogurt or Enriched Green Tea offer delicious ways to incorporate antioxidants into your routine.

PhytoBerry Frozen Lollipops

A fun recipe for antioxidant-enriched popsicles, ideal for a healthy, refreshing snack.

• PhytoBerry Frozen Yogurt

  • Mix 1 cup organic yogurt with 1 scoop PhytoBerry. Freeze for a healthy treat.

• PhytoBerry Green Tea

  • Combine 1 cup brewed green tea, 1 scoop PhytoBerry, and 1 tablespoon lime juice for a refreshing drink.

• PhytoBerry Popsicles

  • For enriched popsicles, mix 2 scoops PhytoBerry with 1 cup water, 1/4 cup fruit juice, and 1/4 cup frozen berries. Freeze in popsicle molds.

About the author

Written by la boîte à grains team

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